BR 

.HszAs 



'. ' zr^^ 



kT 



r 



^♦^r-^-*'*- 















UNITED STATES OP AMERICA. 









^ s 



MEMOIRS 



OF THE LATE 



X 



SS LUCY lUCHARDS, 

OF PARIS, ONEIDA COUNTY, N. Y. 



WRITTEN BY HERSELF. 



EDITED BY ANOTHER HAND. 



REVISED BY THE EDITOR. 




\ 




NEW-YORK 

PUBLISHED BY G. LANE & P. P. SANDFORD, 

j^ the Methodist Episcopal Church, at the Conference Office, 
200 Mulberry-street. 

/. Collord, Printer. 
1842. 






f 



/» 



Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1842; by 
G. Lane <fc P. P. Sandford, in the Cleric's Office of the Distract 
Court of the Southern District of New-Yorlc. <^ 



r% 






f 

% 






^ <. 



EDITOR'S PREFACE. 



The subject of this little volume was exteu= 
sively known as a woman of deep and ardent 
piety. Scores of itinerant preachers, who, in 
the regular discharge of their official duties, 
visited the place of her residence, will doubt- 
less cherish a pleasing recollection of her 
while memory lasts ; and not a few, it is confi- 
dently believed, have already joined her happy 
spirit in the lofty employments of the heavenly 
temple. The savour of her name is still as 
precious ointment to a large circle, who had 
the pleasure and profit of a long and intimate 
acquaintance with her. 

She was indeed a bright and shining light. 
Though no one w^ould think of claiming for her 
an exemption from the common frailties of 
humanity, yet those who knew her the most 
intimately, will doubtless concede to her un- 
common Christian attainments. She not only 
professed, but practically exemplified, the great 
blessing of " perfect love." Her all was laid 
on God's altar at an early day, nor did she ever 
afterward think of resuming the gift. During 
the whole course of her pilgrimage, after she 
became a disciple of the Saviour, she continued 
to walk by the same rule, and to mind the same 



4 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

thing. In her character there v/as a beautiful 
and attractive consistency, exhibiting the fruits 
of the Spirit in all their supreme loveliness. 
With the most unshrinking fidelity she bore 
her daily cross, and conscientiously discharged 
every duty. Of her Christian character in 
general, however, the intelligent reader can 
hardly fail to form a tolerably correct opinion 
from the following pages. 

Miss Richards was evidently no bigot. The 
remark is made here, lest an unfavourable 
inference should be drawn from Avhat she 
^says at an early period in her history respect- 
ing other denominations, of whose doings she 
complains in strong terms. It should be re- 
membered, however, that that was not the age 
of catholicity. The adherents of Methodism 
were then, not unfrequently, regarded and 
treated as the filth and ofFscouring of the earth, 
A brighter day has since dawned on the church, 
and a more lovely spirit has been infused into 
the bosoms of her members. That sister R. 
rejoiced to see the dawn of this day is render- 
ed abundantly evident from the frequent and 
tender allusions which she subsequently makes 
to those denominations. 

The editor thinks it proper to say, that he 
does not hold himself responsible for the cor- 
rectness of every sentiment found in the me- 
moir. As to the divine directions with which 
the pious author believed herself to be favour- 
ed in dreams, or by powerful applications of 
certain passages of Scripture, in cases of per- 



MEMOIR OF LVCV RICHARDS. O 

plexily and doubt, and as to her minute and 
confident explanations of the designs of Provi- 
dence in certain events which happened to her, 
ihey are before the reader, who v/ill peruse the 
details with that caution and candour due to 
matters of so grave a character. It is not im- 
possible but that Miss Richards sometimes in- 
dulged impressions of this kind further than a 
strict regard to the sacred volume would ex- 
actly warrant. At the same time, obstinate 
incredulity on such subjects is not less bigoted 
and unreasonable than an indiscriminating 
faith. The opposite error of that into ivhich 
some may think sister R. was occasionally be- 
trayed,— we mean the error of those v/ho en- 
tirely overlook the providence of God, — is more 
common, and, we may add, altogether more 
pernicious. 

The papers of Miss Richards were put into 
the hands of the editor some time since, accom- 
panied with a request that he would prepare 
them for publication. A very cursory exami- 
nation convinced him, however, that this could 
not be done without a thorough revision ; such 
a revision as could be effected only by an en- 
tire transcription. For though the author wrote 
a rather beautiful hand, and though her ortho- 
graphy was remarkably accurate, yet she was 
evidently not in the habit of writing for the 
press. Besides, we are informed by her friends, 
it was her intention, had she lived and acquired 
sufficient strength to do it, to transcribe and 
thoroughly correct her manuscript : so that it 



b MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

might be in a more suitable state for publica- 
tion. But, as she was never able to do this, 
the work has fallen into other hands. Of the 
manner in which the task has been executed it 
may be sufficient to say, that, though many 
verbal alterations, a few retrenchments, and 
some additions, have been made, the sense has 
been scrupulously retained, and, as far as gram- 
matical accuracy would permit, the simplicity 
of language and peculiarity of style. 

If the editor is allowed to judge of the influ- 
ence which the perusal of this narrative is 
adapted to exert on the feelings of others from 
the effect which it has had on his own, he can- 
not doubt that the best interests of religion will 
be materially promoted by the publication of 
this little book. 

A brief note has been occasionally added by 
the editor. 

Paris, Jiily 12, 1841, 



ADVERTISEMENT. 



I HAVE no other apology to offer for writing 
the following, than a sense of duty and a desire 
to be useful. It was not till some time after I 
experienced religion that I felt impressed to 
write the exercises of my mind, which I at first 
did simply for my own benefit ; and seldom did 
I raise my pen w^ithout feeling, more or less, 
the quickening influences of the Holy Spirit. 

At length I felt it to be my duty to furnish 
something like a history of my religious expe- 
rience for the benefit of others : but, as I could 
see nothing remarkable in it, I soon reasoned 
rnyself out of the propriety of making the at- 
tempt. I remember, however, of thinking that 
w^ere I placed in a situation favourable to re- 
tirement, and had I leisure, I might possibly 
make the efifort. And now^ God, in his provi- 
dence, by afflicting me, has brought me into 
those very circumstances. 

StiU I have had various reasonings on the 
subject, and the Lord only knows the trials 
through which I have passed, and the tears I 
have shed, on account of it. When I have 
thought of writing, my mind has been fruitful, 
and past occurrences, which I had not thought 
of for years, have been as fresh in my remem- 
brance as if they had but just taken place. On 



« MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHAPx-DS. 

the other hand, when I have thought of declin- 
ing the task, both body and mind have been 
afflicted ; and I could get no relief till I resolved 
to proceed. 

Such as it is, and imperfect as was its au- 
thor, the manuscript is left in the hands of my 
friends, and to the disposal of Providence ; 
and should what I have written be a source of 
consolation to the afflicted, when I am no more ; 
or should it strengthen the faith of any one, or 
in the least aid him in the pursuit of heaven, I 
shall be amply compensated for the tears I 
have shed, and the labour I have bestowed. 



Paris, N. Y., April 17, 1S37. 



M E M I R 



MISS LUCY RICHARDS. 



CHAPTER I. 

BIRTH AND EARLY HISTORY. 

I WAS born in Paris, Oneida county, N. Y., 
October 3, 1792. My fatber was born in Water- 
town, and my mother in Middlebury, Connecti- 
cut. They resided in the former place about 
a year and a half after their marriage, when 
the^y' removed to Oblong, and continued there 
not far from three years. From thence they 
removed to Schodack, and, after residing there 
about the same length of time, to the place of 
my birth. 

When they removed to this place they had 
had two sons, Orris and John, and one daughter. 
The daughter died in infancy, and the eldest 
son v/hen about four years old. I have heard 
my mother say, that, when he was sick and 
lying upon her lap, he wished to go to his 
father, who was then asleep : but she desired 
him to lie still a short time, telling him he 
sliould then go : he raised his little arms, clavsp- 
ed them arounri her neck, grave her a kiss, and 



10 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

then expired ! My parents have since had six 
daughters, of whom I was the eldest, and two 
sons. Two of the daughters died in infancy. 

I have often heard my father remark, that he 
was awakened to a sense of his lost state the 
last day of March, 1789, under the preaching 
of the Rev. Freeborn Garrettson ; and that, in 
the April following he found peace to his soul. 
But as there was no Methodist society in the 
neighbom'hood, he gave his name to Mr. Gar- 
rettson. My mother was awakened and con- 
verted a year or two afterward, under the 
preaching, of the Rev. Benjamin Abbot ; so 
that, in the early part of their lives, they de- 
voted themselves, their family, and their sub- 
stance, to the work and service of the Lord : 
and their house has ever since been open to re- 
ceive the heralds of the cross. 

The first thing I can remember of a religious 
nature is, that when I was three or four years 
old a Methodist preacher came to my father's : 
my mother told me he w^as going to pray, that 
I must kneel down, lay my head in the little 
chair, keep still, and hear what he said. I did 
so, and got much praise for it ; and this proba- 
bly is the reason of my remembering it so dis- 
tinctly. After this I was much pleased when 
the preachers came, as they used to talk to me, 
and tell me many such things as my little mind 
was capable of comprehending ; making it their 
uniform practice to shake hands with me when 
they went away. However, one came who said 
nothino- to me, and when he left did not offer 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 11 

to shake hands with me, at which I was much 
grieved, and began to weep. My mother ob- 
served it, and, after ascertaining the cause, 
took me by the hand, led me out to the preach- 
er, who was about mounting his horse, and told 
him what I had said. Accordingly he shook 
hands with me, and said I must be a good girl. 
I then went into the house satisfied. I was 
early taught to say the Lord's Prayer, the Me- 
thodist Catechism, and several hymns, which 
I repeated with great delight. Yvlien in my 
seventh year my father sold his farm, and 
bought another within half a mile of a school- 
house, where there ^vas a small society of 
Methodists. Here my father was a class lead- 
er ; and w^ell do I remember his teaching what 
is novv'- called a Sunday school ; for my mind 
was often so seriously impressed w^hen in it, 
that I could not refrain from weeping. In one 
instance, so general was the feeling, it was 
thought best to go into the house of Mr. W., 
and hold a prayer meeting, Avhere we cried 
aloud for mercy. The feeling was, however, 
of short duration, and produced no lasting efiect. 
About this time my father received license as 
a local preacher, and as he was obliged to be 
frequently absent from home on the sabbath, 
and as no one w^as willing to take his place as 
teacher, the school was discontinued. 

As we now lived nearer to neighbours than 
formerly, I had a better opportunity to learn many 
foolish and hurtful habits. Besides, I soon found 
I had been kept stricter, and m.ore closely at work 



12 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

than others ; for besides winding a great many 
quills for my mother, (she being a weaver,) I 
had spun upward of ninety runs of yarn before 
I was seven years and a half old. Of course 
I could not have so much time for play and 
amusement as most other children, which cir- 
cumstance made me uneasy and fretful. My 
parents, however, were conscientious in their 
treatment of me, and I shall ahvays have occa- 
sion to bless God for, their fidelity. 

When I was between eight and nine years 
of age, a Mr. M. taught our district school, and 
as he was a professor of religion, he prayed at 
the close of school every day. To guard 
against a breach of order during this solemn 
exercise he appointed a watch, whose duty it 
^vas to report to him after prayers. All whis- 
pering Vv^as forbidden ; but as v/e were stand- 
ing before a window, a girl named L. saw my 
brother coming in a sleigh and said, " Now we 
can ride." I replied, '' So we can ;" but imme- 
diately recollecting I was not to go home till 
after we had spoken our pieces in the evening, 
said, "No; I am going to stay." After prayer 
we were reported ; and then questioned by the 
teacher, that he might know who whispered 
first. The watch said, " Lucy ;" but this I 
denied, as did also L. Mr. M. deferred the 
matter till just at evening, then came to me with 
the watch, and, after sending the rest of the 
scholars out of the house, asked him if he saw 
me whisper first? He said he did. He then 
told him he might leave, as he wanted nothing 



MEMOIR OF LUCV RICHARDS. 13 

further of him ; and, taking me by the hand, 
feruled me severely ; after which he asked me 
if I would not own I whispered first ? I told 
him I did not, and should never say I did. He 
then repeated his blows in a most cruel man- 
ner, saying it v/as a very wicked thing to tell a 
lie. I told him I knew it. " But," said he, 
" you have told one ; and I shall punish you 
till you own it." I replied, " / never shall. ""^ 
He continued his blows till my shrieks and 
groans alarmed the scholars in the house across 
the way. so that they ran and looked in at the 
window. This led him to desist, at the same 
time saying, he was afraid I meant to tell a lie. 
Thus I escaped further punishment. Some of 
the scholars were so much exasperated, that 
they advised me to leave the school ; but this 
Tdid not wish to do, as I never thought that 
either the teacher or watch had any ill will to- 
ward me. Probably the latter was not looking 
toward us when the conversation commenced ; 
and it would be natural for the teacher to put 
confidence in a vountr man rather than in a 
child. Self-willed and wacked as I was, in 
other respects, such was my fear of telling a 
lie that I should not have dared to tell one on 
any account. 

At the time appointed Mr. M. had his exhi- 
bition in a large nev/ house, belonging to a Mr. 
S. We had not been there long- before I was 
taken into the dressing-room, w^here some of 
the ladies were employed in powdering and 
dressing the heads of those who ss^ere to appear 



14 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

on the stage ; but I told them I did not wish to 
have my head fixed in that manner, for my pa- 
rents wonld not like it. They asked, if they 
were to be present ? if not, I could comb it out, 
and they would never know it. So I consent- 
ed. After we had done exhibiting, the young 
people spent some time in dancing. This was 
a new diversion -to me ; for I had never heard 
a violin or seen dancing before. Thus, in vio- 
lation of parental authority, was I led astray 
from the paths of piety. Well would it have 
been for me had I heeded the admonition of the 
wise man, " If sinners entice thee consent thou 
not." 

Some time after this I heard a funeral dis- 
course preached on the death of a child, from 
2 Kings iv, 26 : " Is it well with thee ? Is it 
well with thy husband ? Is it well with the 
child? And she answered, It is well." The 
preacher had commenced his sermon when I 
got there, but my mind was so deeply affected 
by it that I did not soon lose the impression. 
I then thought I should not be disobedient to 
my parents, or dare to sin any more ; for I 
thought that had I died instead of this child, my 
parents could not in truth say, "It is well with 
the child." When I returned home I asked 
my father where the text could be found, and, 
although he was not there, he told me in 
" Kings." I searched till I found it, and read 
the whole chapter with deep attention. 

But I was again drawn into sin. When in 
my fourteenth year I received an inntation to 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 15 

a quilting at nncle T. W.'s. My mother, ever 
anxious for my welfare, charged me not to stay 
in the evening. We had not been there long 
before we found that all the company, except my 
sister P. and myself, were calculating to stay; 
and when it was ascertained we were not, we 
were called '' superstitious.*' This, however, 
was not our fault ; for we felt as strong an in- 
clination to stay as perhaps any one ; but 
thought it best to obey our parents, until some 
one told aunt W., who said to us that we should 
stay, and that she would bear the blame. She 
said also, that my parents were once as fond 
of going to such places as others, and wonder- 
ed if they thought that they could bring up a 
family of children without letting them go into 
company ; — said that to keep them from such 
places made them a great deal worse, and that 
they would never know how to behave in com- 
pany. I nov\' thought it would be a line thing 
to stay, and felt greatly prejudiced against my 
parents for being so strict with their children. 
Thus were we betrayed into disobedience to 
our parents, and into sin against God. 

The winter following my cousins prevailed 
ou me to learn to dance ; and, as our new 
school-teacher was very fond of this sinful 
amusement, he spared no pains, during the time 
of intermission, to instruct us in it. But when 
my parents and some others became acquainted 
with the fact, proceedings came to a speedy 
termination. I was now much encouraged by 
others to disobey my parents ; but needed little, 



16 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

SO strong was my inclination after worldly 
pleasure. Still I had almost every thing to 
mortify my feelings, especially in reference to 
dress ; for my parents v/onld allow me to wear 
scarcely any thing superfluous, or, at least, 
would purchase no merely ornamental article 
for me. In this^ I am now persuaded, they were 
perfectly right. 

When in my fifteenth year I spent a few 
weeks with uncle J. S., whose residence v/as 
six or seven miles from my father's. There 
was a Methodist in his employ, Mr. M'B., who 
w^as then a zealous Christian, and who had a 
short time before become acquainted with my 
father. One evening he came into the room 
where my aunt and myself were sitting, and, 
laying his hand on my head, said with singular 
solenmity, — " Well, Lucy, have you no religion 
yet, when you have so good a father, wlio has 
so long prayed for you ?" I replied " No ; nor 
do I want any!" xlunt soon joined with me, 
and in great apparent sorrow he left the room. 
Had he asked me if I were willing to die with- 
out religion, I must have answered in the nega- 
tive ; for I knew to die without it would be the 
ruin of my soul for ever. But death seemed at 
a great distance ; and I thought, as too many 
do, that there was time enough yet. Alas, what 
a fatal delusion ! It has undoubtedly destroyed 
its thousands ; and I have reason to adore the 
riches of divine mercy in showing me my mis- 
take. 

Soon after I came home I was; invited to a 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 17 

quilting at Mr. A. H.'s ; and as nothing had 
been said to me about returning, I stayed dur- 
ing the dance ; feeling much less compunction 
than I probably otherwise should have done. 
But there is no peace to the wicked. In the 
midst of all my sinful amusements I was ex- 
tremely unhappy. One day when I had been 
on a visit, and returned just at evening, I saw 
as I entered the door a grave-looking gentleman 
sitting by the fireside, conversing vrith my 
father, whom I took to be a preacher ; and 
judging it probable I should get a reproof, 
thought I would go into my room and lay off 
my ornaments before he discovered them. But 
just as I reached the door he espied me, and 
asked my father if I were his daughter ? My 
father called me to him, and I was introduced 
to the Rev. Ebenezer White ;* who, taking me 

■^Emphatically one of -^ our fathers." Like most who 
entered the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
in his day, he had few early advantages ; and being " thrust 
out" into the itinerant field, after be became the head of 
a family, his mental training w^as chiefly in his own hands. 
But he was deeply read in Christian experience, and had 
the rare talent^ of finding his way immediately to the 
hearts of his auditors. Mild and affectionate, he seldom 
gave offence ; ardent and courageous, he never willingly 
left the sinner asleep in his sins. Few men of those early 
times were heard with more general satisfaction, or to 
more general profit. He was always preaching, speak- 
ing to the childi'en in the family, or saying a kind word to 
those he met by the way ; and everywhere doing his ut- 
most to promote the cause of Christ. Though I have 
often heard him spoken of, I never heard a single word to 
his disadvantage. The eyes of our elder members kindle 

2 



18 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

by the hand, said, " Don't you know you should 
always speak to, and shake hands with, the 
preachers ?" He also gave me a gentle reproof, 
with which I was much disgusted. As Mr. 
White frequently put up at my father's, he made 
it almost a uniform practice, after he had in- 
quired respecting the health of the family, to 
question each member of it touching his or her 
spiritual state, insomuch that I hated the very 
sight of him, and others, who would give me 
reproof; so far from God and goodness had I 
wandered ! But wicked as I was, I often felt 
the strivings of the Holy Spirit, When my 
friends affectionately entreated me to attend to 
the concerns of my soul, I could not refrain 
from weeping; and then I would feel so 
ashamed that I could wish there were no such 
people on earth as Methodists, or that they 
would say nothing to me. 

As my parents had never had any of their 
children baptized, they now thought it their 
duty to dedicate four of the younger to God in 
this ordinance, leaving the three older ones to 
their own sense of duty. We refused, thinking 
it a very wicked thing to receive such an ordi- 
nance with unrenewed hearts. That man of 
God, the Rev. Ebenezer White, was the admi- 
nistrator ; and though the services were con- 
ducted with the greatest solemnity, I xemained 

when they refer to him, and every tongue is eloquent in 
his praise. " He had a good report of all men, and of the 
truth itself." About thirty years since he joined the 
venerable dead. — Ed. 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 19 

unaffected. So hardened, indeed, had I now 
become, that I despised and ridiculed the peo- 
ple of God, would hearken to none of their re- 
proofs, and disregarded all their counsels ; even 
refusing to kneel during family devotions ! O, 
my long-suffering God ! I\Iay I never forget 
the goodness that spared such a rebel as me ! 



CHAPTER II. 

CONVERSION ATTENDING AND FOLLO\VING CIRCUM- 
STANCES. 

Is the month of June, 1809, my parents and 
sister P. attended a camp meeting in Deertield, 
Herkimer county.* When they returned and 
gave me an account of the meeting, I told them 
there was no occasion of spending so much 
time, and being at so much expense to worship 
God, when there were meeting houses enough 
and near at hand. Yet I felt a desire to behold 
the novelty of such a scene, and resolved if 
one were appointed at Westmoreland, in Sep- 
tember, as was then contemplated, I would at- 
tend. My mother said she wished I had been 
Avith them, as it might possibly have done me 
some good ; remarking, that several were 
awakened and converted there, who went as 

* It was at this meeting that the Rev. John Dempster, 
the missionary to Buenos Ayres, South America, was 
converted to God. — Ed. 



20 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

careless and unconcerned as I then appeared 
to be. She mentioned two young persons in 
particular, who went from Litchfield. One 
Miss M., a gay young lady, was powerfully 
awakened soon after she went on the ground ; 
and never rested till she knew her sins forgiven. 
The other, Mr. Kent, a cousin of hers, was 
much displeased with her, and told her she 
should never take any more comfort while she 
remained at his father's house ; and was so ex- 
asperated that he would scarcely be seen in the 
tent long enough to sleep or get refreshment. 
But God soon brought down his lofty spirit ; 
so that, in the agony of his feelings, he cried 
aloud for mercy, and desired the prayers of 
those around him. Nor did he seek in vain ; 
for he soon found delivering grace. He joined 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, became a 
useful member, and has for several years been 
faithfully employed as an itinerant preacher. 

Soon after her conversion. Miss M. came to 
our house. I found her to be a very amiable 
young woman ; and when alone with her, I 
asked her many questions, and conversed freely 
with her on the subject of religion. Yet I would 
not be persuaded by her to set about the all- 
important work of repentance and reformation ; 
for I loved pleasure, and was resolved on seek- 
ing it. 

One sabbath morning in the latter part of the 
month of August, as I was sweeping the floor, 
my mother said, " Parma and Maria" (deacon 
B/s daughters) "have experienced religion or 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 21 

are under concern of mind." I was literally- 
amazed. As soon as I recovered my recol- 
lection I replied, " I don't believe it ; for I saw 
them two or three Sundays ago, and they were 
then as lively as I was." She said, " That 
might be, and they be serious now." My father 
added, " If you go to hear Mr. Steel to-day, I 
hope you will try to profit by what you hear." 
I went and took a seat in the gallery. Parma 
sat below in her father's pew, and I shall never 
forget the solemnity that was depicted in her 
countenance. Maria sat in the gallery, and 
listened as for life to every word that fell from 
the speaker's lips. During the intermission we 
went to Mr. A.'s. P. and M. laid off their hats, 
took their Bible, selected a few friends, and 
retired to the chamber. During the afternoon 
service I could not help reflecting on what I 
had seen and heard, and was somewhat affect- 
ed. At five o'clock I went with my brother 
and several other young persons to Sangersfield, 
and, under the pretence of attending meeting 
there, went to see an uncommonly large child I* 

* It has occurred to the editor, that some of his young 
readers maybe curious to know something further respect- 
ing this '• large child." Mr. Ichabod Fisher, formerly of 
Sangersfield, Oneida county, N. Y., had two children, Wil- 
lard and Lucy, both of whom were very large. It is not 
certain which of them is intended in the text. At the 
same age, we are informed, they were nearly of the same 
size. About twenty-five years since the editor saw Wil- 
lard in the streets of Utica. He was then between four 
and five years old, and was said to weigh nearly two hun- 
dred pounds ! Respecting the fate of this great-little boy 



22 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

However, after we had satisfied our curiosi 
ty, we did go to meeting. After we had been 
there a short time, a young lady arose, and in a 
most feehng way invited the young people to 
seek religion. This affected us much, and we 
left the meeting talking on religious subjects ; 
but, strange to say, before we got home we be- 
gan to compliment each other ; which was a 
fatal stab to my seriousness, and I was soon 
more hardened than ever ! 

On the succeeding Saturday my father went 

it is difficult to obtain any satisfactory information. He 
emigrated to the " far west," some years since. Report 
says he is still alive, but that he is not so large a man as 
might have been anticipated from his precocious growth. 

The history of poor Lucy is a most painful one. Being 
so very large, she excited a great deal of curiosity. Avail- 
ing themselves of this circumstance, her friends, very im- 
properly we should think, carried her about as a public 
show ! Among other places to which she was taken her 
friends carried her to the city of New- York. While there, 
her attendants left her alone in an upper room, intending 
to return in a few minutes. When they did so, they found 
her clothes had taken fire during their absence, and were 
almost entirely burned from her person. She suffered a 
few hours, and was then taken to a world of spirits. 

The editor is too little acquainted with physiology to 
indulge himself in any speculations as to the cause of 
such overgrown bodies as those which these poor children 
were obliged to carry about. Perhaps, indeed, the case 
involves an insolvable mystery. Be this, however, as it 
may, all may learn from it a lesson of humiliation and gra- 
titude. Who hath made us to differ 1 We are neither 
dwarfs nor monsters. We are neither so much like other 
human beings as to be confounded with them, nor so di- 
verse from them as to attract the public gaze. May we 
praise thee, O thou adorable Creator ! — Ed. 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 23 

to one of the neighbours ; and when he return- 
ed, said to me, "A. thinks she has a soul, and 
feels deeply concerned to know what will be- 
come of it : you have one too, and ought to be 
as much concerned as she is." This, with 
much more that he said, alarmed my guilty 
conscience : but I was determined that no one 
should know it. The next day I told an inti- 
mate friend I was going to sit alone, and hear 
Mr. Steel preach. She desired to sit with me, 
but I refused, and took a seat in the gallery 
near the pulpit. Some of the time I heard with 
deep attention, and when I looked at those who 
were serious I could not refrain from weeping. 
But fearing lest I should be discovered, I would 
occasionally look at my gay companions with 
a smile, and was glad when the exercises 
closed. Prayer and conference meetings were 
soon established in different parts of the town, 
and the multitudes that attended evinced the 
deep anxiety of the people to save their precious 
souls. 

The next sabbath Mr. White preached at 
Mr. Cooley's barn. The preceding evening 
Mr. M'Bride — the very individual I had told I 
did not want religion — came to, our house, and 
asked me if I would go and hear Mr. White 
preach ? I told him I would, but that I must 
first go to the morning prayer meeting with N., 
agreeably to promise. But, to my great sur- 
prise, the latter told me she had concluded not 
to go. Relieved from this promise, I w^ent im- 
mediately to Mr. White's appointment ; but 



24 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

fearing I should meet some one — so great was 
the cross of going to Methodist meeting — I got 
over the fence, and walked through the fields ! 
After sermon the ^preacher and Esquire H. 
gave me a few words of good advice respecting 
the time and way to seek religion. In the af- 
ternoon they held a prayer meeting, at which 
Mr. D. said, if there were any present who de- 
sired salvation, and would kneel down, he 
would pray for them. Accordingly I knelt v/ith 
some others; but was soon so ashamed that I 
had a strong inclination to get up again. O, the 
uneasiness I felt ! and glad was I when the 
meeting ended. 

In the evening Mr. White preached at Mr, 
B. C.'s, on "Behold I stand at the door and 
knock," &c. Every word seemed to penetrate 
my inmost soul, and the great deep of my heart 
was measurably broken up. / felt my own de- 
pravity, and so deeply realized the evil nature 
of sin that I resolved to abandon it. After ser- 
mon Mr. White gave an invitation to any who 
desired an interest in his prayers to come for- 
ward. But as no one particularly asked me to 
go forward, and as I had not confidence to go 
alone, I asked Miss C. to step out of doors with 
me, and then burst into a flood of tears. She 
asked me if I wished to go forward for pray- 
ers, and said she would go with me. Accord- 
ingly I went, and there were many fervent pe- 
titions addressed to the throne of grace on ray 
behalf But unbelief prevailed; I thought I 
was too great a sinner to find mercy nowy but 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 25 

that, if I earnestly sought, perhaps I might find 
deliverance at some future day. As might be 
expected, I returned with a heavy heart. I at- 
tended the meetings almost daily; but, while 
many were made to rejoice in a sin-pardoning 
God, I was left to mourn. I no\v felt it my 
duty to kneel in family prayer; but I had been 
so stubborn, and the cross v/as so great, I did 
not take it up till my father introduced the sub- 
ject. What a blessing to have praying parents ! 
On Saturday evening the meeting was held at 
our house. As I had not seen my friend N. 
for some time, we walked out together, when I 
told her I was fully resolved to seek religion, 
and asked her what she meant to do. "O," 
said she, " I will seek it too !" We went into 
the house, and many of us spent the evening in 
crying for mercy, but found no relief. The Rev. 
James Kelsey,* then on our circuit, on leaving 

■^ Now one of the venerable dead. For more than 
thirty-five years he was a member of the travelUng con- 
nection, during which time he laboured chiefly in Middle 
and Western New- York. Long will he be remembered 
as a zealous and devoted minister of the iiOrd Jesus. His 
preaching was doctrinal, experimental, and practical ; and 
though he sometimes gave offence by the poignancy of his 
thrusts at what he conceived to be fundamental error, he 
was generally heard with great satisfaction and profit- 
Hundreds, perhaps thousands, were led to Christ by his 
powerful and heart-searching ministry, and not a few so- 
cieties, now large and flourishing, were formed under his 
immediate supervision. He continued to hold an effective 
relation to his conference up to the last year of his life ; 
so that it may be almost literally said, 

^'^He ceased at once to work and live." — Ed. 



26 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

my father's house, said, " Farewell, brother 
Richards, you shall see your children converted 
to God." After this, when I w^as tempted to 
think I should not find mercy, I would think 
of what Mr. Kelsey said, and, in view of his 
faith, take courage. 

In consequence of a thunder storm, which 
occurred at the time of our prayer meeting on 
Sunday evening, many stayed all night. After 
retiring to our private room, we began to con- 
verse on the goodness of God in sparing our 
lives and bringing us to see our lost state, 
though none of us had found forgiveness. One 
of the company (Deacon H.'s daughter J.) 
said, she had no doubt but there was mercy for 
all of us, except herself. I told her I believed 
Christ had died for all, and that, if we all truly 
repented,. he would have mercy upon all: for 
the promise is, '' if we seek, we shall find." 
She replied, " It will do no good for me to seek." 
A few days after, as I was returning from a 
conference meeting, one told me that J. had 
obtained a hope. It was instantly suggested 
by the tempter, " You may as well give up ; 
you have been long seeking, and are none the 
better ; others have sought and found, but for 
you there is no hope !" O, the distress of soul 
which I now felt ! Yet I did not wholly yield 
to these temptations ; for I thought the reason 
why I did not find was, I had been a greater 
sinner than others. I went home, retired to 
my room, and with strong crying and tears be- 
sought the Lord to have mercy on my soul ; 



/■ MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 27 

and was encouraged to hope the time was not 
distant when I should- find salvation. Indeed, 
I told one I believed I should experience reli- 
gion at the approaching camp meeting. 

The memorable day at length arrived, Sep- 
tember 21, 1809. When we came upon the 
ground, Elder Yanest met my father, and, point- 
ing to myself and sister P., asked if vfe were 
his daughters. Ascertaining that we were, he 
came to us and desired to know" w4iether we 
had come to seek religion. I told him we had. 
He said we must give up the w^orld, with all its 
pomps and vanities, and especially that we must 
give up our hearts to God. He also made seve- 
ral other remarks, which led us to deep search- 
ings of heart, by which I saw something of the 
depravity that reigned w'ithin, — pride, obstina- 
cy, unbelief, the love of the world, &c., &c. 
The evening exercises commenced with prayer 
at the stand, after w^hich an appropriate dis- 
course w^as delivered, and an invitation given 
to all who desired to be made the special sub- 
jects of prayer to come to the altar. Though 
several found pardoning mercy, I returned to 
the tent disconsolate. On Friday my distress 
and anxiety greatly increased, so that, at times, 
I could not refrain from crying aloud for mercy ; 
nor could I even w-alk without being supported 
by my friends. I confessed my sins, and 
mourned over my depravity. The world ap- 
peared to me an empty void, and I felt that no- 
thing but true religion could satisfy my longing 
desires. For this, therefore, I was walling to 



28 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

sacrifice every thing. And now the enemy re- 
newed his assault. It was suggested, if I for- 
sook the world I should lose my good name, 
should have but few friends, and be obliged to 
lead a melancholy life. The contest was sharp 
and painful in the extreme, and none but those 
who have passed through similar exercises can 
realize what I felt. I heard every sermon with 
deep attention, and entered the prayer circles 
with an earnest desire to find salvation ; but 
all, apparently, to no purpose. Yet some of my 
Christian friends still encouraged me to look to 
God, assuring me that with him there was plen- 
teous redemption. 

In the evening I again tremblingly approach- 
ed the altar, and resolved, if mercy were to be 
found by so vile a sinner, never to leave it till 
God had spoken peace to my soul. Some of 
the more devoted, among both preachers and 
private members, continued their intercessions 
for nearly three hours, when I believe nearly 
every penitent that came forward was divinely 
comforted, except myself. They then arose 
and united their cheerful voices in singing the 
praises of the Most High : while I continued 
in the same posture, without experiencing the 
least mitigation of mental anguish. I now 
thought, what shall I do ? To arise I have no 
disposition. And yet both preachers and peo- 
ple have prayed till they are weary. They are 
happy, but / am miserable. Must I remain so 
for ever, and perish without hope ? Surely, 
" the sorrows of death compassed me, and the 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 29 

pains of hell gat hold on me." In this my ex- 
tremity I felt a willingness to give up every 
thing — my gay companions, my worldly honours, 
my sinful pleasures ; and, seeing the justice of 
God in my condemnation, had no other plea to 
make save that grounded in the atonement of 
the precious Saviour. I pleaded for mercy, and 
cried, ^' ' Lord, save, or I perish !' But if I 
perish, I perish at thy feet. To thee I give up 
all — soul, body, and spirit." The God of love 
was pleased for Christ's sake to accept the 
offering, and soon my soul was filled with 
peace. Just at this instant one who had been 
deeply interested in my case, asked me if I did 
not wish to rise and sing ? I answered in the 
affirmative ; when she said, " Bless the Lord, 
Lucy is converted;" and, in accordance with 
my request, began to sing, 

'' How happy every child of grace, 
Who knows his sins forgiven," &c. 

Several joined the harmonious song; some 
shouted for joy ; and others expressed their 
grateful emotions by the silent eloquence of 
tears. What a memorable hour! O, to be 
raised from such a depth of sin and misery into 
the favour and image of God, and into the fel- 
lowship of his saints ! The transition v»^as in- 
deed indescribable ; the joy unspeakable. It 
now appeared to me that I had ten friends, 
where before I had only one ; and the very 
persons I had so much despised appeared the 
most amiable and lovely. Every object around 



30 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

me wore a different aspect. Even the lighted 
candles, and the fires burning from their lofty 
stages, seemed to reflect the glory of Him who 
dwelt in the bush. When I looked upward and 
saw the forest trees waving in the gentle 
breezes of the evening, and the stars glistering 
in the blue vault of the skies, they seemed to 
take part with me in adoring the great Creator. 
We now retired to our tents, and my father, 
having heard of the change, questioned me as 
to my feelings. I barely told him that I felt 
very differently from what I ever did before ; 
but I said but little, choosing rather to " ponder 
these things in my heart." The next morning 
I arose much refreshed in body, and found 

"My kind Preserver still was near." 

It was one of the finest mornings I had ever 
beheld. All nature appeared cheerful ; my 
burden of sin was removed ; and the very birds 
of the grove appeared to add to my felicity, 
while, in their softest strains, they hymned the 
praises of my redeeming God. 

These feelings were, however, like the morn- 
ing cloud and early dew, of short duration. 
Soon after, I was passing across the ground 
when I heard one say, " There goes a young 
convert ; she experienced religion last night." 
It was immediately suggested. How does he 
know that ? he knows nothing respecting it, 
and should have said nothing. I then began to 
compare my feelings with what they once were, 
and concluded the remark might be true. It 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 31 

was again suggested. If you have obtained reli- 
gion, why do you not clap your hands, shout, 
and express yourself as strongly as such and 
such late converts ? Now these you cannot do, 
and yet you think you have religion. In this 
you are deceiving yourself and others. My 
perplexity was great ; when several females 
were collecting for prayer meeting, and desired 
me to join them. They offered up many pray- 
ers, giving thanks for Avhat had been done since 
the meeting commenced, and especially what 
had been done for my soul. My heart melted 
into the tenderest emotions of gratitude in view 
of God's loving kindness ; though I was soon 
again assaulted with temptations similar to 
those just described. In the midst of these the 
signal was given for preaching, and we imme- 
diately joined the congregation. Here my mind 
sunk. Not knowing the wiles of the enemy, 
nor being able to discern between " darkness" 
and " heaviness through manifold temptations," 
• — a distinction w^hich Mr. Wesley in one of 
his sermons clearly points out, — I gave up my 
hope in Christ, but not my desire for salvation ; 
for I was fully determined never to rest satis- 
fied without a knowledge of sins forgiven. My 
Christian friends, observing my distress, en- 
deavoured to comfort me by assuring me that 
what I felt was only the effect of temptation, 
and that if I continued to pray I should soon 
find deliverance. But it was much easier to 
believe the tempter than the testimony of Chris- 
tian experience, and therefore I refused to be 



32 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

comforted. Thus I went mourning, being in 
greater distress than I had ever been before, till 
evening ; when I again approached the altar, 
desiring the prayers of the righteous. I had 
not been there long before Mr. B., a man full 
of faith and the Holy Ghost, came to me and 
said, " Child, what do you want ?" I replied, 
" Religion." He said, " Did you not experience 
religion last night?'' I told him I then thought 
so, but was now afraid I was deceived. " No," 
said he, *' you were not. You are now labour- 
ing under strong temptations : only believe, and 
you will again rejoice in the smiles of God.'* 
We had conversed only a few minutes before 
the cloud broke, the tempter fled, and I was 
again filled with all peace and joy in believing. 
Since then, now somewhat more than fifteen 
years, I have never doubted the genuineness of 
the work. 

The next day several of our acquaintance 
and friends came to the meeting, though not as 
many as we expected ; for some of our Presby- 
terian neighbours had taken pains in our ab- 
sence to prejudice their minds against the 
Methodists, and particularly against camp meet- 
ings. The consequence was, they lost their 
convictions; though these zealous partizans 
appeared much less concerned for them now 
than they did when they were earnestly seek- 
ing salvation among the Methodists ! Many of 
those who came were under the necessity of 
returning the same day, but manifested much 
regret at leaving the place without experiencing 



:\IEMOIIl OF LUCY RICHARDS. 33 

justifying grace. During the remaining part of 
the meeting the work of God progressed pow= 
erfuUy; so that it was judged that not less than 
fifty souls were born of the Spirit ; while many 
returned hom.e earnestly inquiring, ^^ What must 
I do to be saved V' 



CHAPTER III- 

BECOMES A MEMBER OF THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL 
CHURCH HER UNSHRINKING FIDELITY, 

The next sabbath after the close of the camp 
meeting I attended worship at the Sauquoit 
church, where the sacrament of the Lord's 
supper was administered, in which I felt it both 
a duty and a privilege to participate. The 
ordinance was rendered a great blessing to me, 
and my faith and hope were so strengthened 
and increased, that I could most sincerely say, 
" Old things are passed away, behold all things 
are become new." At the five o'clock prayer 
meeting, held at my father's, I was sorely 
tempted not to kneel in prayer, being surround- 
ed with my former gay companions ; but I re- 
sisted the temptation, and found that the cross 
and the blessing are inseparably connected. 
God was with us. 

Not long after this I v>'as accosted by deacon 
== — - with, " Well, Lucy, would you love God 
were he to send you to hell ?" I told him I 
did not think he would send me there, if I lived 



34 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

in obedience to his commands ; for he assures 
us that he has no pleasure in the death of him 
that dieth. He said but little more, and what 
he did say was like salt without savour — poo? 
food indeed for a young convert. The lead- 
ing members of that communion now became 
very zealous in advocating their peculiar tenets 
in the hearing of the young converts, and made 
the most indefatigable exertions to induce them 
to join their church, and to leave off going to 
Methodist meetings. x\t this they were much 
grieved, for they were greatly profited in attend- 
ing these meetings, and did not wish to be 
bound. Finding they could not in this way 
succeed, they went again to the young converts 
and made a sort of confession, telling them they 
might have the privilege of attending other 
meetings ; and so they consented to join them. 
Of the fruits of this revival more than fifty be- 
came members of their church. Though I fre- 
quently attended their meetings, I could by no 
means approve of the doctrines which I there 
heard ; except a few sermons delivered in the 
first of the revival, when salvation was freely 
offered to all. Usually their pulpit spoke a 
very different language. And I could not see 
how it was at all compatible with sound reason, 
or even common sense, to suppose that Christ 
made an atonement for all, and yet unchangea- 
bly and eternally designed to save but a very 
few ; and the more I compared this baneful 
doctrine with the word of God the more incon- 
sistent it appeared. Though many were awak- 



.^lEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 35 

ened and converted at my father's house, not a 
single individual chose the same communion 
with myself. This, however, by no means 
discouraged me from doing what I conceived 
to be a solemn duty. Accordingly, October 20, 
1809, being seventeen years and seventeen 
days old, I w^ent to Mr. C.'s, received baptism 
at the hand of the Rev. Ebenezer White, and 
became a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. Nor have I at any time since regret- 
ted the step I then took. On the contrary, I 
have blessed God scores of times, and shall 
probably be thankful for ever for the choice 
Avhich I was then enabled to make. 

It was now said, by my late gay companions, 
that if they took no notice at all of me, I would 
be glad to join their company again : but in this 
they soon found themselves mistaken, and 
adopted a different policy. Pursuant to their 
new method of treatment, I Vv^as invited some 
time after to a quihing. I asked the girl who 
brought the invitation, whether they designed 
to invite a large company ; for if so, I did not 
choose to attend. vShe replied in the negative. 
But to my great surprise, when I went, I found 
more than could be seated round two quilts ! I 
soon comprehended the stratagem, and cried to 
God, from the very bottom of my heart, to keep 
me from dishonouring his cause. We were 
seated in the very ball chamber, where, at a for- 
mer period, I had anticipated so much pleasure ; 
but the Lord gave me a watchful spirit and a 
praying frame, so that T w^as enabled to con* 



36 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

verse freely with my young friends on the sub- 
ject of religion. When I came away, which 
was at an early horn*, the very person who was 
instrumental in getting me there v/as in a flood 
of tears, and, had she been permitted to do so, 
would have gladly gone with me to a meeting 
which had been appointed for that evening. 
On leaving I felt like a bird that had escaped 
from the snare of the fowler. 

I will give another instance. My eldest 
brother gave me an invitation to visit with him at 
the same place ; but I mistrusted his design, and 
refused to go. I afterward found my suspicions 
were well grounded. He manifested much 
displeasure, and never after, to my recollection, 
asked me to visit with him. I now had to bear 
the imputation of " superstitiousness," and had 
many grievous things said to me ; but the reli- 
gion of Christ outweighed them all, while I 
was enabled to rejoice that I was counted 
worthy to suffer reproach because I trusted in 
the living God. I felt a strong affection for my 
relatives w^ho v/ere out of Christ, and earnestly 
desired their salvation ; but I felt a still greater 
nearness to the people of God. Those who 
are truly one in Christ are united by ties that 
" nature and time can't dissolve." 

When I was eighteen years of age, deeming 
it my duty to pay still further attention to the 
cultivation of my mind, I went to school at 
Sauquoit Creek, and boarded with brother Eli- 
jah Davis. Here I enjoyed every desirable 
religious advantage, There was a larg-e society 



ME.MOIPc OF LUCV RICHARDS. 37 

in the place, and many of its members not only 
enjoyed daily communion with God, but were 
contending earnestly for the faith once deliver- 
ed unto the saints. Entire sanctification 
Avas their practical motto. O, how infinitely 
desirable did this blessing appear ! I had been 
praying, from the time of my con\"ersion, that I 
might " receive the Holy Ghost," and be '* fill- 
ed with all the fulness of God.*' My brethren 
encouraged ine to pray for the blessing, believ- 
ing that I should receive it. One evening, at 
prayer meeting, when earnestly struggling for 
a clean heart, I felt a singular sensation 
throughout my whole system. Not knowing 
what it was, I immediately ceased praying, and 
began to reason concerning the cause of it, but 
could find none on any natural principle with 
which I was acquainted. Something like a 
still small voice seemed to interrogate me 
'• For what have you been praying ?" My reply 
was, that I might be filled with the Holy Spirit. 
Again it was said, ''Do not fear; only be* 
lieve : what you have felt was in answer to 
prayer : pray on, and the blessing will soon be 
yours.'' And, blessed be God, it was not long 
befoie my soul was so overwhelmed with the 
divine piesence and glory, that my body sunk 
down to the floor, and 1 could only exclaim, 
" Glory to God in the highest ! Glory to his 
name for ever !" My soul was, indeed, filled 
" unutterably full of glory and of God." 

And here I would say, that, in my opinion, 
the chief reason why there are so many faint 



28 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

half-hearted Christians, is, they do not perse- 
vere in the exercise of faith and prayer. Faith 
is the grand instrument by which we appropri- 
ate the blessings of God's great salvation ; — 
faith in the blood of the atonement ; faith in 
the divine promises ; faith in the inexhausti- 
ble resources of his grace. According to our 
faith it will be done unto us. If we believe, we 
shall see the glory of God. But watchfulness 
is equally necessary if we would retain the 
blessing. Our blessed Lord says, " What I 
say unto you I say unto all, Watch." And 
again, '* Watch and pray, lest ye enter into 
temptation." I shall ever have reason to be 
thankful for faithful, praying brethren. Under 
God they have been rendered a great blessing 
to me ; and I would at this time call upon my 
soul and all within me to bless the great Head 
of the church for the benefits I have received 
through their instrumentality. 



CHAPTER IV. 

SHE COMMENCES SCHOOL TEACHING HER TRIALS AND 

DELIVERANCES. 

The first of April, 1811, I entered upon a 
new employment — that of school teaching. 
On the whole, I found it rather a delightful 
task. " To teach the young idea how to shoot," 
to shape the first buddings of the immortal 
intellect, must afford pleasure to the philan- 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 39 

thropic bosom. I, however, soon found myself 
exposed to trials to which I had ever before 
been a stranger. 

Not long after I had commenced, some of my 
brethren asked me if I prayed with my scholars ? 
I told them I did not, nor did I'feel it my duty 
to do so. One of them said, '• We as a people 
believe in prayer, both public and private, 
and it is a duty from which even females are 
not exonerated." I acknowledged it was our 
duty sometimes to pray in social meetings, but 
told the individual who spoke to me, I could not 
think it was mine to pray in school. I how- 
ever told him, that should I feel it to be a duty, 
I would not hesitate to attempt it ; being quite 
confident it would never be required of me. 
" But God's ways are not as our ways, neither 
are his thoughts as our thoughts." Soon after 
another friend, a school teacher, asked me if I 
were to teach where all were Methodists, 
whether I did not think I should pray with my 
scholars ? I replied, " I do not know how I 
should feel under such circumstances ; but, as 
almost every family where I am belongs to 
some other denomination, I cannot think it my 
duty here." He said, " I now see where you 
are : you have reasoned and reasoned till you 
have lost all proper views of the subject : and 
still I believe it your duty to pray in your 
school." The next day I went to the school as 
usual, but could not help reflecting occasionally 
upon this conversation. Just at th« close of 
the day, I had occasion to ask some of the 



40 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

scholars if they knew in what part of the Bible 
the ten commandments could be found, and 
told them I would read the chapter in which 
they were embraced. I went to the table, 
opened the drawer, and, as I took up the Bible, 
it was powerfully impressed upon my mind 
that I must pray. The impression seemed un- 
reasonable, and I strongly resisted it. The 
internal monitor said, '''Will you, dare you 
refuse, \vhen you promised no longer ago than 
yesterday, that if you were convinced it was 
your duty, you would do it ? And now it is the 
Spirit of God that speaks to you f' I then 
thought I would read the chapter, and see how 
I should feel. I did so, but vvith a palpitating 
heart ; often saying, " Alas ! what shall I do V 
After reading the chapter, I made a few remarks 
on its solemn import and binding obligation, 
and, reasoning upon what the people would 
say about so unusual a procedure, felt a strong 
inclination to dismiss without prayer. I ac- 
cordingly prepared to do so, thinking if I felt 
the same impression to pray the next evening, 
I would bear the cross. But, O, that divine 
Spirit, whose office it is to " reprove the world 
of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment," re- 
proved me in a manner I shall never forget ! 
Yes, he illuminated my heart, and brought cer- 
tain past occurrences so distinctly to my re- 
membrance, that I dared not defer till to-mOf- 
row what ought to be done to-day. But, O, 
what a struggle between nature and grace ! 
What a dark cloud of temptations arose ! I re- 



MEMOIR or LLC 1' RICHARDsi. 41 

gretted the duty had not been made known 
\vhen I first began to teach, thinking that then 
the cross might not have been so great. But 
heavy as it now was, conscience compelled 
me to bear it. I requested the scholars to lay 
aside their things, telling them, at the same 
time, that I thought it my duty to pray with 
them, and that I should try to do so. As soon 
as I bowed before the Lord, the cloud broke, 
the tempter fled, and my soul was filled with 
joy and peace in believing. I arose v/ith 
thankfulness, and dismissed my little charge ; 
but remained aw'hile to reflect on the astonish- 
ing goodness of mv directino' and supporting 
God. 

I then went to brother C.'s, where I was 
boarding. When I laid oiF my things, sister 
C. said, '• What do you think I have heard our 
little boys say since they came from school ? 
Not knowing that I heard them, Alanson said 
to Lyman, ' What do you think ^liss L. prayed 
with us for ■' He replied, ' I don't know ; for 
what did she V ' 1 guess I know,' said Alanson, 
' it is because she wants we should be happy, 
and go to heaven when vre die.' " These 
boys are novr^ grown to manhood, and, wdth 
several others who then belonged to my school, 
are members of the church. ^lay they be 
useful in their generation, and help to swell the 
song of triumph before the throne of God ! 
How many proofs have we that Solomon utter- 
ed an indisputable truth when he said, " Train 
up a child in the way he should go. and when 



42 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

he is old he will not depart from it." Impressed 
with this seatimeiit, I purchased several copies 
of the Methodist Catechisms, and gave them to 
the children. But, to my great surprise, I soon 
found that this step gave great offence to some 
of their parents. A Baptist elder, who lived 
near, came the next morning, leading his little 
daughter, and bringing the book in his hand. 
After the customary compliment, he said to me, 
" I don't thank you for giving one of my 
cliildren this book ; for I don't want they 
should learn it." I asked him what were his 
objections I He said, " They were ^^arious. 
One was, that they had catechisms of their own : 
and another, that ours taught there were condi- 
tions in the gospel." I told him I believed 
there were, and that the sentiment was agreea- 
ble to the word of God. He replied, ''Then 
you are in an error ; for there are no conditions 
in the gospel, and I do not wish to have my 
children taught that there are." I soon found 
there were five different persuasions in the dis- 
trict, or, at least, that they had five different sorts 
of catechisms ; and, as I could not in conscience 
teach them all, I judged it advisable to teach 
only the Lord's prayer and the ten command- 
ments. This, I ascertained, met with general 
approbation. 

A few weeks after I commenced praying in 
my school, two elderly ladies belonging to tlie 
district came to visit me ; the one a Presbyte- 
rian, the other a Baptist. I performed the or- 
dinary duties of the school with pleasure, 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 43 

tliiiikinor these Christian ladies would, in view 
of my youth and inexperience, close with 
prayer for me. But in this I was sadly disap- 
pointed ; for w^ien I proposed to join with one 
of them, she looked me full in the face without 
saying a single word ! I stood several minutes, 
but no one broke silence ; nor had I confidence 
to ask them again. I now thought, What 
shall I do : Shall I for fear of the cross 
neglect my duty to God and my fellow-crea- 
tures ? No, I cannot. But not receiving so 
much as a word of encouragement, my mind 
did not soar above the trial : stiJl I did as v/ell 
as I could. These ladies desired me to spend 
the rest of the afternoon with them, but I pre- 
ferred, the place of solitude, where I could pour 
out my soul in prayer to God. I often met 
with similar trials ; though I must say that no 
one after this visited my school, w^lio, if she did 
not wish to pray herself, did not express a de- 
sire to join with me. And notwithstanding, in 
many instances, I have felt the cross so heavy 
tha.t I could hardly bear it, yet a consciousness 
of having endeavoured to do my duty has been 
a solace to my soul ; especially while I have 
claimed that heart-cheering promise, *' As thy 
day is so shall thy strength be.^' 

After teaching six months, I went home to 
spend the winter. Soon after I was attacked 
with the St. xA.nthony's fire, which diffused 
itself over the chief portion of my face, so that 
my head was swollen to a frightful size, and 
some fears were entertained that I might not 



44 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

recover. But the Lord stood by me in this 
time of trial, and so abundantly supported me 
with his almighty arm, that I could say, " For 
me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." 

I was again gradually restored to health, so 
that in the ensuing spring I was able to resume 
my labours in the same place v/here I had 
taught before. Nothing v/orthy of special no- 
tice in regard to my school occurred this season. 
I enjoyed many blessings both of a temporal 
and spiritual kind, and felt myself more than 
ever a debtor to divine grace. In the autumn 
I was again brought to view death as at the 
very door. The extraction of a tooth ruptured 
a blood vessel, causing the vital fluid to flow 
almost constantly for twelx^e or fourteen hours ! 
Death appeared inevitable ; but to me he was 
no longer the king of terrors ; flor was the grave 
in the least appalling. I was even anxious to 
depart and be with Christ. My end, however, 
was not yet. A simple application produced 
the desired relief, and the blood ceased to 
flow. Thus was I spared still longer to do as 
well as to suffe?' the divine will. 

In the summers of 1813 and 1814 I was em- 
ployed in teaching a school about three or four 
miles distant from the place where I had 
taught the preceding seasons. Here there were 
only two or three families of Methodists, though 
there were several of Universalists, and some 
members of other denominations. I however 
found but little satisfaction .among the Univer- 
salists : for while thev talk much about be- 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 45 

iiig saved, and going to heaven, they do not even 
" strive to enter in at the strait gate ;" and I 
awfully fear they " will not be able." While 
here I was deprived of meetings except on the 
sabbath, and then I generally met with the so- 
ciety near my father's. But the Lord gave 
me many blessings, both in the closet and in 
the sanctuary, causing my cup to run over with 

joy- 
One evening, while I w^as conversing with a 
young woman, she was brought to feel her need 
of an interest in the Saviour ; but expressed a 
fear that it was too late for her to find mercy. 
After I had repeated to her many encouraging 
promises from the best of all books, I asked her 
if she wonld be willing to pray twice a day for 
four weeks that God would pardon her sins. 
She said she would try, and in less than three 
weeks the Lord set her soul at liberty. She 
lived several years a faithful member of our 
clmrch, then died in holy triumph, and is doubt- 
less now in the paradise of God. 

I called one morning to see Mrs. G., an 
Episcopalian, who was then very sick. She w^as 
a very kind and amiable woman, though natu- 
rally of a somewhat hasty spirit. I found her 
meek and gentle as a lamb, perfectly resigned 
to the will of God, and patiently waiting till 
her change should come. She rejoiced that I 
had set out early in life to devote myself to the 
service of God, and encouraged me to perse- 
vere. She also requested me to visit her 
children, and instruct them in the w^ays of re- 



46 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

ligion. And when I excused myself on the 
ground of incompetency, she said, " You know 
the way, they do not ; and you must do your 
duty to them." She then desired me to pray. 
I was much affected, but told her I would try. 
As, however, she did not distinctly understand 
me, she supposed I had declined, and tenderly 
apologized for having asked me. Hence I 
went away without praying, but was so con- 
victed that I could not enjoy peace till I had 
repented, and fully resolved, that should I be 
again desired to pray with the sick, how heavy 
soever the cross might be, I would bear it. 
And I bless God that I have hitherto been able 
to keep my vow, and have often found it " bet- 
ter to go to the house of mourning" and afflic- 
tion " than to the house of feastino." Not loiior 
after I called again, but she had fallen beneath 
" the pale horse and his rider :" Good woman, 
she has doubtless entered into rest. 

During the season I attended a camp meet- 
ing about two miles from my father's. Here I 
had a severe conflict of mind. It was on this 
wise : several persons from the neighbourhood 
where I lived came to our tent and desired 
me to go with them to the prayer circle. 1 
complied with great reluctance, knowing the 
ten^ptations to which I should be exposed if I 
did not enter into the spirit of the meeting. I 
however thought I would be a spectator a little 
while ; but when I reached the circle I felt it 
my duty to join in the devotions of God's people. 
Refusing to do this, condemnation follov/ed. 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 47 

I left my company and retm'ned to the tent 
with a heavy heart, conscious that I had griev- 
ed the Spirit of God ; but resolved I v/ould not 
rest where I was. Accordingly I entered 
the next praying circle that was formed, and 
wrestled in prayer till God delivered my sonl. 
Several were converted at this meeting, but 
none from our part of the town. The love- 
least was a good one. When, however, I 
arose to speak, the cross was so heavy that I 
could hardly stand : but I soon felt that the arm 
of Omnipotence was my support, and found 
great freedom in declaring to my companions 
what great things the Lord had done for me, 
and my determination to live and die in hits 
service. Truly my soul was hlled wdth joy 
unspeakable ! 

This season our society sustained an irre- 
parable loss in the death of a mother in Israel ; 
one indeed " in whom there was no guile." 
She died of the epidemic which prevailed in 
our neighbourhood at that time, but she fell 
*' covered with glory," and in full prospect of 
eternal life. Who can doubt that our loss was 
her intinite gain ? 

Some time in February I was taken ill, and 
in March, unconscious that I had been exposed 
to them, I broke out with the measles. Some 
of the family took the disease from me, and had 
not fully recovered before I was taken ill again. 
My mother was soon taken down ; and my 
eldest brother, who almost ridiculed me be- 
cause I thought T had the measles, was, at 



48 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

times, quite bereft of liis senses. This was 
indeed a trying time to me. The anxiety I felt 
for my mother, and the distressing fears I had 
lest my brother should die in this situation, to- 
gether with the care of the family, quite over- 
came me, and I fell into a sort of hysteric 
spasms. This occasioned a most unpleasant 
state of mind. One morning I answered my 
sister so tartly that my mother reproved me. 
But it really appeared to me that I could not 
help it. My whole nervous system was in 
a state of such excessive irritability, that it 
seemed to me I should be entirely deranged. 
The common foe, taking advantage of my 
weakness, made sad havoc of my religious en- 
joyments. I however knew where to go for 
relief. I had not now to learn that " God was 
a refuge in distress ; a very present help in the 
time of trouble." To him, therefore, I went in 
deep mental anguish. At first my prayers 
were *^ greatly hindered," but I continued to 
*' cry unto the Lord," resolved never to rest till 
he " avenged me of mine adversary." After 
spending most of the forenoon in this way I 
obtained the victory, and was again enabled to 
rejoice in God my Saviour. In due time our 
family were again restored to health. " O 
that men would praise the Lord for his good- 
ness, and for his wonderful works to the chil- 
dren of men !" 

In the spring I returned to my school ; but 
O, what a change ! Death had taken three 
grown persons from one family, and two from 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 49 

another. I trust some of them were prepared, 
but must leave them in the hands of God. I 
now more than ever saw the necessity of being 
watchful and devoted, and desired to live every 
day as though it were my last. But after all 
God had done for me, I was often forced to 
exclaim 

'' Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it ; 
Prone to leave the God I love I" 

Sometimes I felt the roots of pride springing 
up and troubling me. I will mention an in- 
stance, though at first view it may appear 
trifling. I was invited to a quilting, and felt 
an inclination to appear not quite as plain as I 
had done ; though I had no disposition to wear 
any thing that would be readily called super- 
fluous. When putting on the extra article I 
felt some rebukes of conscience, but regarded 
it as being so trilling that I thought I would 
wear it, till something seemed to say, " Do you 
think Deborah (a very gay young lady who 
died of the prevailing epidemic a short time 
before, in a state of insensibility) would now 
wish to appear in sucli a manner ? Certainly 
not : then why should you ?" After prayer and 
examination I became perfectly satisfied I was 
wrong, and governed myself accordingly. I 
found if I would preserve my conscience ten- 
der, I must treat it tenderly. When I reached 
the place of my engagement such was my 
gratitude to God that I could scarcely refrain 
from weeping. Had I given way to the first 
evil, I might have been easily overcome by 
4 



50 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

ihe second, namely, a light and trifling spirit ; 
and so have dishonoured the cause of God. 
But in both respects I have graciously kept 
from sinning against him. Glory be to his 
name for ever ! 



CHAPTER V. 

SEEKS AND OBTAINS A FULLER BAPTISM OF THE HOLV 
SPIRIT. 

In the summer of 1815 I lived with brother 
Elijah Davis, at Sauquoit Creek. Three other 
young women, all members of the M. E. Church, 
resided at the same place. My religious privi- 
leges here were great ; and as every member 
of the family was a professed disciple of the 
Saviour, it might truly be said, " How good 
and how pleasant it is to dwell together in 
unity !" 

The preacher on the station, the Rev. Abner 
Chase, was a strict disciplinarian ; but very 
mild and condescending, holy and useful ; 
being zealo-a^ly engaged in preaching the gos- 
pel and building up the walls of Zion. Nor 
were his labours in vain in the Lord. Sinners 
were awakened, mourners comforted, and be- 
lievers "built up on their most holy faith." 
Thus circumstanced, I daily felt an increasing 
desire for a greater conformity to the will of my 
heavenly Father. The more closely I follow- 
ed the teachings of the divine Spirit, the greater 



.MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 51 

need I felt of having every power, and passion, 
and afFection of my «oui " brought into captivity 
to the obedience of Christ." Nor could I rest 
at all satisfied while the roots of pride, or un- 
belief, or any other besetting sin, remained in 
my heart. I was sometimes led to think the 
long-sought blessing near. But again unbe- 
lief, v/ith a sense of my unv/orthiness, prevailed, 
causing me to think that when I had used a 
great deal more self-denial, fasting, and prayer, 
I might expect it ; but not now. Still I thought 
no sacrifice too great for me ; feeling a con- 
stant and increasing " hungering and thirsting 
after righteousness ;" with a strong conviction 
that if I persevered, the blessing would be 
mine. In this I was not disappointed. 

October 28, 1815, I attended the quarterly 
meeting at Sauqnoit ; and at the evening prayer 
meeting the Spirit of God was poured out upon 
his people in a remarkable manner. There 
were present many witnesses of perfect love, 
who, " witli breathing thoughts and burning 
words," related what God had done for them, 
O, how infinitely desirable the blessing appear- 
ed ! It seemed just before me, and my breth- 
ren encouraged me to lay hold of it by faith. 
But Satan suggested, '* If you obtain it you will 
soon lose it again ; and you had better remain 
just where you are." I replied, '^ He that hath 
kept me thus far in a justified state, will keep 
me to the end in a state of sanctification, if I 
do but trust in him." I was now more clearly con- 
vinced than ever, that the reason why I did not 



52 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

obtain the blessing, was simply because I lacked 
faith in the blood of the atonement, even that 
blood that '' cleanseth from all sin." It is faith 
in God that overcomes om* mountainous difficul- 
ties, and brings the soul out into ''a large and 
wealthy place." Mark xi, 22, 23, 24. St. 
John says, " This is the confidence we have in 
him, that if we ask any thing according to his 
will, he heareth us : and if we know that he 
hear us, whatsoever v/e ask we know that we 
have the petitions that we desired of him." 

I commenced praying vocally for sanctifying 
grace, " pouring out my supplications," like my 
divine Master, " with strong crying and tears ;" 
and in a few moments my soul was so over- 
whelmed with the divine presence and glory 
that I fell to the floor. I remained in this 
state some time, now and then partially recover- 
ing my strength. But my prayer to God was, 
that I might never rise again without the wit- 
ness of perfect love. A severe struggle follow- 
ed, for Satan suggested that I was happy 
enough now, and that there was no need of any 
thing further. But this only increased my 
anxiety to be lost and swallowed up in God. 
And, blessed be his name, it was not long be- 
fore I could say, " My Father God, with an 
unwavering tongue." Yes, my poor soul was 
emptied of sin, and then filled from the ocean 
of eternal love. God was mine and I was his. 
He was all, filled all, surrounded all. Should I 
attempt to describe a thousandth part of what I 
felt, language would fail me. To comprehend 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 53 

it one must experience it. The place was 
indeed " none other but the house of God, and 
the gate of heaven." 

My strength was soon restored, and I told 
my brethren I had experienced a greater bless- 
ing than I had ever before, but did not tell them 
I was " made perfect in love ;" for I chose to 
prove the blessing before I openly professed it ; 
though I soon found God had not lighted up the 
lamp of life in my soul to be " put under a bed 
or bushel." After the people dispersed I 
retired, but for some time could get no sleep, 
being filled with wonder, love, and praise. My 
meditations were sweet. I thought. Is it 
possible that / have received so great a bless- 
ing ! / who have been so great a sinner, now 
saved by grace ! made an heir of God, and a 
join their with Christ ! ! I felt that it was in- 
deed, and beyond all doubt, a matter of fact ; 
and my only desire was to" know and do the 
will of God. It was now powerfully impressed 
upon my mind, that it would be my duty to 
confess in the presence of God's saints Avhat 
had been done for my soul. After a severe 
mental conflict I yielded to the impression, and 
then fell asleep. Vv^hen I arose in the morn- 
ing I went to the book of God, earnestly pray- 
ing to be guided into all truth. The first words 
I opened to were, " A false witness shall per- 
ish ; but the man that heareth speaketh con- 
stantly." I thought. Surely this is a deep lesson 
of instruction to me : I must attend closely to 
the teachings of the divine Spirit, lest after all 



54 BIEMOIR OF LUCY RIG HARDS. 

I have received I '' perish." I opened again 
to, " As ye have therefore received Christ Je- 
sus the Lord, so walk ye in him : rooted and 
built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as 
ye have been taught, abounding therein with 
thanksgiving." And also, " Put on the whole 
armour of God, that ye may be able to stand 
against the wiles of the devil." I cried out, 
" It is enough, Lord ; I am perfectly satisfied ; 
and by thy grace will endeavour to proclaim thy 
* great salvation.' " I went to the love-feast and 
spoke of the blessing I had received, and the 
flame of divine love seemed to spread over the 
whole assembly, while my own soul rejoiced 
"with joy unspeakable and full of glory." 
This was a day long to be remembered. 

I went home at evening, and not feeling sat- 
isfied to eat my morsel alone, acquainted my 
parents with what I had received. My father 
made this reply, "" Reinc-mhcr how easily a clean 
garment is spotted.'''' These words made a 
deep and lasting impression upon my mind, and 
the cry of my heart was, that my soul might 
never be stained with sin. After my father 
prayed in family worship, 1 felt such an anxious 
desire for the salvation of my brothers and sis- 
ters, that I began praying ; but had continued 
the exercise only a few minutes when my soul 
was so filled with heavenly love, so transport- 
ed with new and vivid conceptions of God and 
eternal things, that my body could not support 
its weight, and I sunk motionless to the floor ! 
This, being something new, created not a little 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 55 

excitement in the family. Gne went up stairs; 
another called for water to throw in my face ; 
and a third ran out of doors I They were doubt- 
less pov/erfully convicted, though, alas, they 
soon grieved the Spirit of God ! 

In the summer of 1816 I taught school in our 
own district, and the Lord gave me favour in the 
sight of the people, as well as of the children 
committed to my care. Indeed, I was prosper- 
ed in all my undertakings ; so that I had 
nothing to do but to go forward in the way of 
duty; "rejoicing evermore, praying \vithout 
ceasing, and in every thing giving thanks." 

Still I was not without my trials, and these 
from near friends. We had stated prayer 
meetings at our house, and our parents desired 
that they might be continued during their ab- 
sence on a journey. At this my eldest brother 
was much displeased. As I was the only 
remaining member of the family who wished 
to have the meetings continued, and as I did 
not board at home all the time, he even wished 
me not to come home at all! thinking if I 
stayed aw'ay the ^Methodists would not come. 
We however maintained our ground, and the 
Lord supported us in all our tribulations, by 
imparting the abundant consolations of his Spi- 
rit. When at home, during the absence of our 
parents, I felt it my duty to pray with the 
family ; but he would seldom stay in the house ; 
saying he had rather hear it thunder ! One 
time, when I was trying to persuade him to 
seek religion, he said. He should make out as 



!j6 memoir of LUCY RICHARDS. 

well as the generality of people, and should not 
concern himself about the subject. " But," said 
he, " if you have got religion, keep it." What- 
ever the motive that prompted it, this was a 
good caution ; for many who set out well have 
halted in their spiritual journey, and I fear will 
come short of heaven at last. O, may God 
keep me from the awful sin of backsliding [ 

September 5th, I attended camp m.eeting in 
Westmoreland, near the place where I was 
converted. This was rendered a peculiar 
blessing to me. How memorable the spot 
where I was delivered from the galling yoke of 
sin, and brought into the liberty of the children 
of God ! The present meeting was a good one. 
In the closing love-feast thirty-six testified that 
they had found redemption in Christ during the 
meeting. God was with us of a truth ! May 
I never foro^et his loving kindness. 



CHAPTER VI. 

SCHOOL TEACHING — -SICKNESS OF HER FATHER^ — A PAINFUL 
INCIDENT DEATH OF A RELATIVE. 

In the summer of 1817 I was delightfully 
employed in teaching the school near the Far- 
mers' factory, at Sauquoit Creek. Here I was 
blessed with many precious privileges in at- 
tending the means of grace. We frequently 
had prayer meetings at sunrise on sabbath 
mornings, which I found exceedingly profitablej 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 57 

and especially as they more fully prepared niy 
heart for the reception of the v/ord of God. We 
also had prayer meetings at five o'clock on 
Sunday evening, class meetings on Tuesday 
evening, and prayer meetings again on Thurs- 
day evening. Enjoying these means of spiritual 
improvement, my soul flourished as the garden 
of the Lord. 

I had not been here long before my father 
was taken alarmingly ill, and I was sent for. 
For some time his life was despaired of, yet his 
soul was happy in God, and perfectly resigned 
to his will. Though conscious that his con- 
tinuance on earth would be a great comfort to 
his family, he said he would not turn over his 
hand to live or die. He frequently remarked, 
that a sick bed was a poor place on which to seek 
religion. " If I had this w^ork to do now,'' said he, 
'' I should certainly die ; for I could not endure 
the pains of a guilty conscience and the distress 
of body I now feel." I found his conversation 
very profitable to me. He wished me to make 
death and judgment as familiar as my daily em- 
ployment, and to keep my relation to the invisi- 
ble world constantly in view. After tenderly 
alluding to the trials to which I should be ex- 
posed should he leave us, he asked if I were 
willing to part with him ? I told him I should 
expect trials, though I had no doubt our loss 
would be his infinite gain, and therefore could 
say, " Not my will, but thine, O God, be done." 
He then exhorted me to persevere ; for said he, 
" O how o'lad I shall be to meet one of my 



58 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

children in heaven ! I should indeed rejoice to 
see them all there ; but if they do not seek re- 
ligion, I never shall ; for without it we must be 
eternally separated!" But this sickness was 
not unto death. No doubt in answer to the 
many prayers offered for him, the means used 
for his recovery were blessed of God, and he 
was gradually restored to health. O, my soul, 
adore the God of love for his sparing mercy ! 
I returned to my school under a deep sense of 
his goodness, and resolved to devote myself 
entirely to his blessed service. 

In 1818 I taught again in the same place, 
having favour in the sight of the people, and of 
those committed to my charge. One day I was 
reflecting on these words, " Ye shall be hated 
of all men for my sake," and, " they shall say all 
manner of evil against you falsely." I thought, 
Surely, these words cannot be applicable to 
me ; for I pass along most agreeably, being 
blessed with every thing I need for soul and 
for body. Here m^ost distressing temptations 
arose, the enemy suggesting, " You are not a 
child of God, for you are not 'hated,' nor do 
you have * all manner of evil spoken against 
you.' " But the rays of divine light which 
emanated from the Sun of righteousness, and 
fell upon my anxious soul, repelled the dark 
suo'orestion, and filled me with comfort and 
peace. 

November 16th, after a short vacation, I 
commenced teaching again for the winter ; and 
felt to say as did Paul on a certain occasion, 



MEMOIR OF LUCV' RICHARDS. 59 

^' Who is sufficient for these things?" Yet 
having taught in the same place for the two 
preceding seasons, and being counted worthy 
by the district, I undertook the task, relying on 
God for direction and support. My scholars 
made good proficiency; and I have reason to 
believe that the serious impressions made on the 
minds of some of them will never be forgotten ; 
for I have since seen them happy in religion. 

On Christmas day I Avent home to see my 
parents, and as they had invited several mem- 
bers of the society to meet me, we held a 
prayer meeting. This was a season long to be 
remembered, on account of the outpouring of 
the Holy Spirit. Our hearts were united in 
one. and it seemed " a .heaven below our Re= 
deemer to know ;" while our souls were trans- 
ported with the pleasing thought of meeting 
one day in the kingdom of our heavenly Father, 
to part no more for ever ! 

.January 2.. We have had severe trials by 
reason of the departure of some from the holy 
commandments delivered unto them. But I 
find, on examination, that this does not in the 
least weaken my faith, or discourage me in the 
pursuit of eternal life. No, glory to God ! He 
has promised never to forsake those who trust 
in him; and by his grace I am resolved never 
to forsake him who has done so much for me. 

On Wednesday, of this week, my brother and 
sister, wdth their school teacher and several 
others, came to visit my school. I felt it a great 
cross to pray in their presence, but found access 



60 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

to God, and a consequent blessing to my soul. 
All except one kneeled with me, and may the 
gracious God teach them the necessity of prayer ! 
In the afternoon we visited two other schools, 
where all was turmoil and confusion. How 
much depends on good order ! where ^very one 
knows his place and keeps it. Perhaps it is 
not too much to say, that under such circum- 
stances, the scholars will learn much faster 
than they otherwise would. 

February 23. The inspectors visited my 
school, expressed their entire approbation of 
my course of instruction and government, and 
gave the scholars praise for having excelled 
every other school they had visited. But when 
will they learn the " one thing needful ?" O, 
Shepherd of Israel, guide their youthful feet 
into ^' the way everlasting !" 

I spent the summer of 1819 in the same 
place, but was not free from trials, though fully 
resolved to follow the Lord through evil report 
as well as good report. I think in all m.y life I 
never had a greater discovery of the native de- 
pravity of my heart. Surely, " in my flesh 
there dwelleth no good thing." To God I am 
indebted for all that is good. In all my reli- 
gious performances, 

'' What are my works but sin and death 
Till God his quick'ning spirit breathe V 

But blessed be God, I do feel his " quickening 
Spirit," and my soul is happy in his smiles. 
Last week I attended a camp meeting. Seve- 
ral were converted from the error of their ways, 



MEMOIR OF LUCV RICHARDS. 61 

and three backsliders reclaimed. O, what a 
pleasing change does grace produce ! Those 
who once slighted the Friend of sinners and 
the company of the pious, are now rejoicing in 
the salvation of the gospel, and inviting sinners 
to return to God. One has foimd peace this 
week, and many more are serious. may the 
Lord powerfully revive his work throughout the 
whole neighbourhood ! 

July 22. Little did I think of ever having to 
record what has occurred within the last two 
weeks. I have had a sort of presentiment 
that trials were before me, but could not antici- 
pate what they were, nor from w^hat source 
they would probably come. Last Friday the 

news came to me that uncle J. S , my 

mother's brother, had taken poison, and was 
thought to be in a dangerous state. On Satur- 
day I v\'ent with several others to see him. 
After brother G, had conversed with him some 
time, uncle asked him to pray. Being ques- 
tioned whether he would pray for himself, he 
answered in the affirmative. It was a very 
solemn time, and I had some hope that God 
would have mercy on him. As I was sitting 
at the foot of his bed, he looked very wistfully 
at me, and said, " The days are long to lie 
here." "Yes," said I, "but eternity is much 
longer." He assented. " Here," said I, 
" one day passes away after another, and is 
gone ; but eternity has no end. Do you think 
you will get vv^ell again ?" He replied, " No." I 
asked him if he thought he should have a desire 



62 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

to take more poison, sliould he get well. He 
answered, "No, I think I should try to live 
better." I asked him how death appeared to 
him— to think of being cold, and stiif, and con- 
fined within the narrow limits of the coffin. 
He replied with singular emphasis, ''Dark'' 
So long as the doctor flattered him with hopes 
of recovery, he did not own but that he intended 
to poison himself; but after he was given up, 
he confessed he had no such intention ; his de- 
sign was merely to frighten his family ! He 
told the doctor he was willing to do his utmost 
in swallowing whatever had a tendency to 
counteract the poison. But, alas ! it was all in 
vain. He appeared penitent, and was much in 
prayer. He also gave good advice to his 
family and others, telling them to take warning 
by him. On Monday, at half past 6 o'clock, P. 
M., after a most distressing day, he expired. 
The last he was heard to say was the Lord's 
prayer. How it is with him is not for me to 
say. - 

Habits of intoxication, in which he had in-^ 
dulged for years, were doubtless the cause of 
this rash deed. When excited by strong drink 
he could not bear to be crossed in the least. 
Thus excited, he was at work with his son, and 
being provoked at something, he violently threw 
some hard substance at him. The son went to 
the house and told his mother. Presently his 
father came in, and after refreshing himself, 
said to H., "We must go to work again." My 
aimt remarked, that she was afraid to have him 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 63 

go lest he should get injured by something that 
might be thrown at him. At this he flew into 
a violent passion, said he had poison, would 
take it, and be a dead man within an hour ! 
*' This his way was his folly," and may none 
of '• his posterity approve of his doings !" 

On Tuesday, July 20th, his remains were 
carried to the Episcopal church, and the Rev. 
Mr. Huse preached on the occasion from the 
eighty-ninth Psalm, forty-eighth verse, " What 
man is he that liveth and shall not see death V 
Though I could not agree with him in all he 
said, yet I must say his address to the mourn- 
ers Avas excellent, and I hope it will not soon 
be forgotten. It w^as indeed a very solemn 
time, and I trust it will prove a lesson to the 
living, by which they may learn to shun the 
snares of vice, and prepare to meet their God. 

August 20th. I went to see cousin Minerva 
Root, and found her, to all appearance, just 
upon the verge of the grave, though perfectly 
resigned to the v/ill of God, and quite ready to 
depart and be with Christ. At her special re- 
quest, the Rev. G. W. Densmore came and 
administered to her the solemn ordinance of 
Christian baptism. I was not present, but w^as 
told by those w^ho were, that it was a season 
of most affecting interest. In the evening she 
said to her father, who was a professed Univer- 
salist, ''Mr. Densmore has been to see me, and 
has administered baptism to me." He replied, 
" Was that any satisfaction to you ?" " O yes," 
said she, **' it seemed when the water was ap* 



64 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

plied, that my soul was elevated far above the 
earth and near the divme throne !" 

How mysterious are the ways of Providence ! 
She had every preparation made for starting on 
a journey the very morning she was taken ilL 
And yet she was perfectly resigned to the will 
of God. She said to me, " I am willing to be 
disappointed : the Lord knows wdiat is best : 
and to his pleasure I cheerfully resign myself. 
I have always been afraid I should not have 
grace to carry me through : but the Lord has 
continued his support till the present moment. 
O how good he is ! I can never sufficiently 
adore him for his loving kindness to such a 
v/orm of earth." Her father said he was sorry 
that any of his children should borrow trouble 
about their future state ; for he believed they 
had all their punishment in this ; and that so 
satisfied was he of this fact that he would be 
perfectly Avilling to suffer all that might be laid 
upon them hereafter : he knew God would not 
make creatures to pimish them after death. I 
told him we must all answer for ourselves at 
the judgment seat of Christ : but this seemed 
like foolishness to him. I however* thought it 
an unseasonable time to say any thing more to 
him on the subject, and could only in silence 
say, " Lord, have mercy on him, and show him 
the error of his ways : make him acquainted 
with thy great salvation." 

September 6th. We are in hopes cousin M. 
is a little better, but whether she will recover 
seems still quite uncertain. She remains hap- 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 65 

py in God, and resigned to his will. I had a 
most refreshing time with her in prayer ; after 
which she took my hand and kissed it, and 
said, " We shall meet by and by to part no 
more for ever." 0, the untold felicities of the 
Christian religion ! 

September 18th. Called again to see my 
dear cousin, and found she still had, though, 
failing fast, an unshaken confidence in God. 
Addressing me she said, " You have the pre- 
sence of the Lord every day, have you not ?" 
I replied, '' In some measure, though every 
day has its cares and trials ; so that my enjoy- 
ments are not equally great at all times." " O," 
said she, ^' what a crown is laid up for i/ou ! 
But, alas, my days have been mostly spent in 
vanity and sin." I told her I believed a crown 
of glory awaited her, and that it would ere 
long be placed upon her head by God's immor- 
tal hand. " O yes," said she, " but it willbe 
a small one ; and yet it will be large enough, 
for the least will be infinitely beyond my de- 
servings !" 

I went again to see her in the evening, and 
after prayer she fell asleep and rested some 
time. When she awoke she conversed freely. 
1 embraced this opportunity to ask her, not for 
my own satisfaction, but the satisfaction of 
others, whether she believed the Universalist 
doctrine to be true. She replied with much em- 
phasis, " I do not : my father has desired to know 
whether it would make any difference with my 
dead body whoever might preach at my funeral. 
5 



66 MEMOIR or LUCY RICHAR05. 

I told him I did not think it would ; but that, 
though I did not wish to injure his feelings, I did 
not choose to have the public think I had died 
a believer in the Universalist creed." Ac- 
cordingly she desired that the Rev. Mr. Dens- 
more, whom she had frequently heard to her 
spiritual profit, previously to her sickness, 
might preach on occasion of her death. On 
the succeeding sabbath my parents were sent 
for. They found her failing fast, but her soul 
was happy in God. When my father prayed 
with her, she appeared transported with holy 
joy, and shouted and praised God, to the aston- 
ishment of all present. Notwithstanding her 
great weakness, she raised her voice, and sung 
most sweetly. In the evening of the same 
day I called to see her. Going to her bed and 
finding her eyes closed, I said, '' Minerva, I 
have come to see you once more." She opened 
her eyes and grasped my hand, and not only 
manifested great pleasure in seeing me, but 
especially rejoiced in the conscious smiles of 
Heaven. Still she was not beyond the reach 
of temptation. It was suggested to her by the 
arch foe, that her patience would not hold out, 
and that her dying agonies would be intolera- 
ble. On being assured, however, that God had 
promised to bestow grace according to her day, 
and that he who had supported her thus far 
would never leave nor forsake her, not even 
when she passed through the dark valley of the 
shadow of death, she took new courage, and 
said, " / shall trust in him. O, Jesus, give me 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 67 

patience to suffer all thy will, and then take me 
to thyself." Her sufferings were great, 3'et she 
" endured as seeing Him who is invisible." 
Just before she expired, being quite speech- 
less, she looked up at us with a heavenly smile 
on her countenance, as if to bid us adieu, and 
then gently sunk into the arms of death. The 
scene was truly edifying, and every way honour- 
able to our holy religion. Never, indeed, did 
the boasted genius of philosophy conduct any 
one of her blinded votaries with a thousandth 
part of the same ease and tranquillity over the 
turbid waters of Jordan. '* Let me die the 
death of the righteous 5 and let my last end be 
like" hers ! 



CHAPTER VII. 

PARTS WITH HER SCHOLARS GIVES UP SCHOOL TEACH= 

TXG JOURNEYS VARIOUS EXERCISES. 

October 15, 1820. I have great cause to 
bless God for his patience with me, an unpro- 
fitable servant. . My life is daily crowned with 
his blessings, while I find favour with my 
patrons and the dear children committed to my 
care. Still I deeply feel the want of more re- 
ligion ; a greater conformity to the will of my 
Lord and Master. O that my hungry and 
thirsty soul may be filled with righteousness ! 
I have the promise : Lord, I claim it as my 
own ! Thou canst, thou wilt fill me with all 



68 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

thy own blessed fulness. Though of late I 
have passed through many temptations and 
sorrows, yet there has been no day in which I 
have dared to say, " I am destitute of the com- 
forts of religion ;" nor would I give up my con- 
fidence in God, and my hope of heaven, for all 
the transitory objects to be found in this vain 
and inconstant world. No : 

*' For one blest hour at God's right hand, 
Pd give them all away." 

After having taught about two years in this 
place, I dismissed my little charge. Little, did 
I say ? All ! it is by no means a small thing to 
be intrusted with the education of the rising 
generation. The souls of these little immortals 
are infinitely precious. They cost the blood of 
the Son of God ! And yet how little do I real- 
ize their intrinsic value ! O God, waken my 
drowsy powers, forgive my past stupidity, and 
help me for the time to come to cherish some- 
thing like a just conviction of the true value of 
man's immortality ! Let none of these little 
ones stumble over my imperfections into an 
awful eternity ; but rather let them rise with 
me to an " inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, 
and that fadeth not away." I have had the 
pleasure of opening to them the treasures of 
science, of seeing some of them materially im- 
proved in their manners, and a few of them 
hopefully converted to God. 

Our parting was painfully pleasing : painful, 
to think it was not likely we should all meet 
again till the judgment of the great day, and 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 69 

that so few, apparently, had been profited by 
my efforts to impart a knowledge of divine 
things : pleasing, to reflect that I had faithfully 
endeavoured to do my duty to them, and that 
possibly many of them might, at a future day, 
remember and turn to the Lord. Blessed be 
God, it was not long after this before I had the 
satisfaction of knowing that several of them 
professed faith in Christ. O that we may so 
live as to be prepared for an eternal union in 
the kingdom of God ! 

In accordance with the advice of my friends, 
I spent the following winter in perfecting my 
knowledge of certain branches of study, to 
which I had previously paid but little attention. 
A portion of the time was passed in the fam.ily 
of the Rev. G. W. Densmore,* the stationed 

* The Rev. George W. Densmore, long a laborious 
and useful member of the travelling connection. His 
public and private character was distinguished by many 
and rare excellences. At the age of tv^-enty-one he was 
received on trial in the New-York Annual Conference, 
and continued an effective member of the itinerancy until 
the fall of 1836, v.hen he removed to the state of Illinois. 
Most of the circuits and stations in middle, and many in 
western New York, have enjoyed his public labours, and 
will long cherish a pleasing and grateful recollection of 
him. Hundreds, if not thousands, have been led by him 
to the foot of the cross ; many of whom have already been 
gathered with him to the inheritance of tlie saints in light. 
He took a leading part in the erection of places of wor- 
ship, as well as in promoting the benevolent institutions of 
the church in general. Good man ! he now rests from his 
labours, and his w^orks do follow him. He died at his resi- 
dence in Sugar Grove, Cane county, Illinois, on the 17th of 
January, 1841, in the fifty-third year of his age. — Ed. 



70 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

minister at Sauquoit. This was by no means 
a lost opportunity, as it enabled me to become 
intimately acquainted with his excellent wife, 
then in a very feeble state of health. When 
alone, we frequently conversed on death and 
immortality, and though I was sometimes de- 
tained from my studies by these interviews, I 
never regretted the time thus spent. We ex- 
perienced many refreshing seasons from the 
presence of the Lord, v/hile our truly kindred 
spirits united in claiming the promises of the 
gospel. She now rests from her labours, and 
her works, I doubt not, w^ill follow her. 

I had invested Vv^hat little of my earnings I 
could spare in the stock of the Farmers' Cot- 
ton and Woollen Factory, thinking it might be 
an advantage to me at a future day ; but to my 
great astonishment I was informed by a friend, 
that the company was insolvent in the sum of 
more than eight thousand dollars, and that there 
was no prospect of its paying any portion of 
it! At first it seemed hard for me to lose be- 
tween one and two hundred dollars, and the 
different members of our family nearly a thou- 
sand ; but, after a little reflection, I was ena- 
bled to look on " the bright side of things," and 
on the whole, thought myself much better off 
than some of my acquaintance. I enjoyed 
good health, which I considered a blessing 
from God ; and, without shedding a tear or 
allowing a murmuring thought, I engaged in 
teaching school at our little chapel in the vil- 
lage, thinking I could easily support myself 



MEMOIR OF LUCV RICHARDS. 71 

without getting in debt to any one. The Lord 
prospered me in my undertaking, and I believe 
converted one of my little scholars. He be- 
came very attentive to his studies, was delight- 
ed in reading the Bible, attended Avith great 
apparent interest to the means of grace, and 
thus gave evidence of his having been born of 
the Spirit. 

During the winter of 1821 I was engaged in 
teaching about three miles from my father's, in 
district No. 9. In persevering in my estab- 
lished practice of opening and closing school 
wdth prayer, I passed through trials knoAvn only 
to the Searcher of hearts. But amidst all my 
trials, it was my constant purpose to maintain a 
conscience void of offence toward God and to» 
ward man. Nor was I left vvdthout the com- 
forting influences of the Holy Spirit. God w^as 
near to keep my head above the surging waters. 
Some of his dear people, too, sympathized with 
ine, and made my afflictions their own. May 
i never forget their friendly attentions, and 
may the God of love return their acts of 
kindness in seven-fold blessing into their own 
bosoms ! 

In February my grand-mother Foot came to 
my father's on a visit, and soon after her arrival 
was attacked with the pleurisy, w^hich in a few 
days terminated in death. I was sent for, and 
arrived about two hours before she expired. In 
answer to my inquiry, she said she w^as happy 
in God and ready to go. As she was of a timid 
make J always manifesting in the time of sick- 



72 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

ness a tremulous anxiety, I was afraid her 
faith would fail her. But my fears were 
groundless. Almighty grace had gotten the 
victory. Notwithstanding her natural timidity^ 
her faith was more than a match for the last 
enemy. She was a member of the Presbyte- 
rian communion : so I see that true religion is 
the same wherever it may be found. 

The following summer I taught in our chapel, 
which, on account of my declining health, was 
the last effort of the kind I w^as permitted to 
make. For most of the time, during ten sum- 
mers and two winters, I have been employed in 
teaching the lower branches of an English edu- 
cation ; an employment which, if properly at- 
tended to by the pious, can hardly fail to con- 
tribute much toward evangelizing the world. 
May the Lord everywhere raise up teachers of 
the right stamp ! A word of pious instruction 
may accompany the ordinary lesson, and, un- 
der the blessing of God, lead the pupil to the 
knowledge of the truth in after life. An instance 
occurred to me. Not long since, when con- 
fined to my room by sickness, a young lady 
came to visit me, who, in early life, had been 
under my instruction. I inquired of her whether 
she had ever embraced religion. With great 
emotion she replied, " I have ; and have often 
thought of what you told me in the days of my 
childhood, particularly, that the ways of reli- 
gion are ways of pleasantness and peace: I 
have found them even so." This is but one 
instance among many that I might mention ; 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 73 

and if I could extend my voice so as to be heard 
by every teacher in the land professing godli- 
ness, I would say, " In the morning sow thy 
seed, and in the evening withhold not thine 
hand ; for thou knowest not whether shall pros- 
per, either this or that, or whether they both 
shall be alike good." 

Partly on account of my health, I went in 
September to visit my friends in the Black Ri- 
ver country. On my way there I heard of a 
camp meeting, and, though a little out of my 
way, I turned aside to enjoy it. I reached the 
ground on Saturday, just at evening, and was 
so fortunate as to meet with Rev. Brother So- 
don, who kindly introduced me to Esquire 
Clap's tent, where I was most hospitably and 
agreeably entertained till the close of the 
meeting. Several sinners were converted, 
while believers were established and built up 
in the faith of Christ. On Monday morning we 
had a very interesting and profitable love-feast. 
The preachers requested all who had ever ex- 
perienced the blessing of sanctification to give 
in their testimony ; and, blessed be God, there 
were not a few, who, with great clearness and 
warmth, bore witness to the cleansing virtues 
of the blood of atonement. Though I was per- 
sonally acquainted with very few there, except 
some of the preachers, yet I felt so closely 
allied to them, that I felt constrained to give 
them " a reason of the hope that was in me, 
with meekness and fear." It was indeed a 
time long to be remembered. 



/4 MEMOin OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

After a very pleasant visit witK my friends at 
the north, I returned with a grateful heart to 
the place of my residence ; having had " by the 
will of God a prosperous journey." 

In February I visited my friends in Camden. 
The weather was intensely cold, and I suffered 
very considerably. Soon after my return I 
^vas taken ill, and for six weeks was unable to 
attend public worship. But though I did not 
enjoy my mind as well as I had before, yet I 
was not conscious of having wilfully departed 
fronrthe path of holy obedience. After this I 
was much afflicted Avith a nervous complaint, 
during which I was assaulted most violently by 
" the accuser of the brethren." He indeed 
would often " accuse" when conscience did not 
condemn. For some time I measurably stood 
my ground ; but looking at my imperfections, 
my trials, my conflicts, instead of looking di- 
rectly to the " Rock of my strength," I gave 
way to unprofitable reasonings, and did not 
boldly and confidently, as in days past, declare 
that I loved God with all my heart, but would 
simply say, I desired so to love him, and the 
like. And yet it seemed so inconsistent to say 
I desired a thing when I was quite confident I 
already had it, that at times I was on the point 
of giving up the blessing of perfect love. Again 
it was suo^crested that there were far better 
Christians that said but little about it, and 
*' what need then of your continually harping 
on a doctrine in which many good people do 
not even believe ? It may be a Scripture doc- 



MEMOIR OF I.UCV RICHARDS. 75 

trine, of which your own experience gives you 
the most satisfactory proof, yet what necessity 
is there of your making it so prominent ? Bet- 
ter be silent with respect to it." Thus I yielded; 
and instead of growing stronger in faith, I 
became weaker. I verily believe there is 
no other disease incident to the human system 
that is so well calculated to induce false 
reasonings as nervous affections ; nor is there 
any other of which Satan takes so gi'eat 
advantage in harassing and perplexing the 
mind. 1 did not, however, neglect any of the 
means of grace when my health would permit 
me to attend them, nor did I lose my relish for 
secret prayer : though at times my supplica- 
tions seemed almost powerless. Though I was 
often tempted to think I should live and die in 
this state, yet I do not recollect that the thoughts 
of death were at any time a terror to me ; for I 
firmly believed if I were faithful unto death I 
should receive a crown of life. 

In the spring of 1822 I was called upon to 
teach the district school in our village ; but ill 
health vrould not permit a compliance. Such 
was my condition that I was forced to abandon 
this delightful employment, and accept of a 
retreat from the cares of the world under the 
paternal roof. Here I had many comforts and 
privileges of which multitudes, in the time of 
sickness, are wholly deprived. Still I felt I 
needed a greater conformity to the will of my 
heavenly Father : and for this I souo^ht the Lord 
in secret by dav and bv ni^ht, until 



76 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

'* The opening heavens around me shone 
With beams of sacred bliss," 

SO that my cup of joy ran over. And yet I 
presumed not to say, that I loved God with all 
my heart ! Had I done this, I believe I should 
have soon regained my confidence, and been 
preserved from a thousand temptations. 



CHAPTER yJII. 

ARRIVAL THE DEATH OF HER BROTHER — VISITS SULLIVAN 

SPRINGS A REVIVAL. 

It was now nearly thirteen years since I first 
professed to be a disciple of the Saviour, all of 
which time I had to go alone so far as young 
people were concerned. Not even a brother or 
sister was disposed to accompany me. I often 
mourned on this account, and was sometimes 
led to fear I had been a hinderance to them. 
When, however, I reviewed my past life, I was 
not conscious that I knov/ingly threw any ob- 
stacle in their way. I had often warned them 
to flee from the wrath to come, affectionately 
invited them to accept of offered mercy, and 
frequently on their behalf poured out strong 
cries and tears to Him that is able to save. 

Some time in the autumn, my eldest brother, 
who had for several years been in a decline, 
was taken more violently ill, and serious ap- 
prehensions were entertained that he might not 
recover. He however regained his health so 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 77 

as to ride out ; but O, the anxiety I felt on his 
account! In prayer meeting, at brother G.'s, I 
had an uncommon spirit of prayer for him ; and 
while I viewed the justice of God in his con- 
demnation, I earnestly entreated the Father for 
the sake of the Son to have compassion on 
him and pardon his sins, if it were not till his 
expiring moments — as in the case of the peni- 
tent thief on the cross. My soul was won° 
derfully blest, and I had some faith that God 
would yet hear prayer on his accomit. 

Our society, though small, (seventeen m 
number,) had long been united in the tender 
bonds of Christian friendship, and were now 
harmoniously engaged in prayer for the revival 
of God's work. Some of the Presbyterians 
wished to join us once a week in a union prayer 
meeting. To this we agreed, and met one 
week at brother C.'s, and the next at Dr. Judd's. 
These meetings proved a great blessing ; the 
Lord poured out his Spirit ; and there was a 
prospect of an abundant harvest of souls. Mr. 
Burchard, a Presbyterian minister, while he 
remained in the place, was greatly blessed in 
his efforts to promote this good work ; for he 
preached a free salvation, and strongly enforced 
practical piety. But it was reported that the 
Rev. Dr. Weeks, who was sick when he came, 
sent him away. If so, will not the blood of 
souls be required at his hands ? For as it had 
been the doctor's practice to preach the doctrine 
of predestination, so he continued to hold it 
forth, which was like throwing water upon fire. 



78 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

The Spirit was quenched, souls were hardened, 
and many- of them remain impenitent unto this 
day. But the Lord was gracious to our little 
society, and many were added to the number, 
who continue faithful to the duties of their holy 
calling. Of this number, blessed be God, 
were all three of my sisters ! Though this was 
matter of great joy, yet the impenitence of my 
three brothers not only abated it, but occa- 
sioned almost heart-breaking sorrow. And 
what greatly augmented my grief was, my eld- 
est brother, who had for some time been in 
feeble health, was now confined to his room 
and mostly to his bed. 

Soon after his confinement to his room, I 
entered his apartment, with the deliberate de- 
sign of conversing with him respecting his pre- 
paration for death. After I had made some 
inquiry concerning his health, and he had told 
me he thought he should recover, I felt it my 
duty to tell him that the general impression was 
otherwise, and exhorted him to seek religion, 
that he might be prepared for life or death. 
This literally enraged him. He said he want- 
ed to hear none of my stuff; he had been as 
sick before, and saw no reason why he was 
not as likely to recover now as then. I told 
him I had a duty to do, and was resolved to do 
it ; so that the blood of his soul should not be 
found on my skirts ; and also that he should not 
have it to say, at the day of judgment, that I 
had not faithfully discharged my duty to him. 
At this he flew into a violent passion, and 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 79 

raibiijg himself up in his bed, called upon my 
sister to hand him the little chair, with which 
he doubtless intended to drive me from his 
room ! But not succeeding in this, he sternly 
commanded me to go out of his presence. I 
now thought it was in vain to say any thing 
more to him, and for a short time nearly gave 
up all hope of his salvation. I went into the 
kitchen and took up some work ; but my dis- 
tress and anxiety were so great that I could not 
do it. I then retired to my chamber, where 
I could give vent to my feelings, and there 
poured out my soul in prayer to that God who 
is able to save. 

In the afternoon aunt W., who had just re- 
turned from New-Haven, came to see us ; and 
though some thought she was crazy, I believed 
her to be happy in God. Her mind was much ex- 
ercised on seeing my brother. She had said but 
a few words to him before her strength beoran 
to fail ; when she requested my sister to help 
her into the kitchen. She sat down, clasped 
her hands, and prayed God to have mercy on 
him. Soon after she said she must go into the 
other room. She accordingly went and knelt 
down by the door that opened near where 
my brother lay, and prayed most fervently for 
his salvation. On hearing her, he desired 
that something might be carried into the room 
and thrown around her, so that she might not 
take cold ; but did not ask to have her removed, 
or to stop praying. She said she thought w^hen 
she first went into the room, that she w^ould 



80 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

never leave it until John was converted ; but, 
after w^restling some time, she said God would 
do his own work-— he was able and willing to 
save, and she had no doubt my brother would 
find mercy. I never saw him angry after this. 
Indeed, he became quite tender and affectionate, 
apparently losing all hostility toward me, and 
even delighting in my company. This en- 
couraged me to become more ardent and per- 
severing in my intercessions at the throne of 
grace in his behalf. I used to select appro- 
priate chapters from the Bible, and from books 
on Christian experience, for my sisters to read 
to him while the rest of the family were absent 
at meeting ; and they often accompanied their 
reading vv'ith such explanations and exhortations 
as they judged suitable to his state. Still his 
heart did not yield. Our parents also used 
their best endeavours, but apparently with little 
success. For myself, I said very little to him 
directly till the 19th of March, when my sister 
awoke me and said she thought he was dying. 
I arose, hastened to his room, and found that 
his extremities were cold. I asked him how 
he felt, and whether he thought he was dying. 
He said he did not know. My anxiety for him 
was inexpressible, and I felt that I could not 
let him go till I had evidence that his peace 
was made with God. He revived a little ; and 
when my father read for morning devotion, I 
watched him to see if he took any notice of 
what was read. He turned his face as if to 
hear, but told my sister afterward, that he 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 81 

could not distinguish a single word. His hear- 
ing, however, returned with the warmth of his 
limbs. 

In the afternoon I felt much impressed to say 
something further to him, but knew not what to 
say, or where to begin. I observed he would 
look very wishfully at me, and then turn away 
his eyes, but presently fix them on me again. 
My heart was full. I resolved to say some- 
thing. With all the tenderness I could com- 
mand I began, " John, do you ever pray ? Our 
Saviour hears prayer, and he is just such a 
friend as you want in this time of affliction. 
He has been good in sparing you so long, and 
in granting you time for repentance.'' He 
replied, "Why did'nt I go this morning?" I 
told him he had been like the barren fig-tree to 
which the Sa.viour came seeking fruit, and 
found none ; but I believed God was still waiting 
to be gracious, and giving him a still further 
opportunity of complying with the terms of the 
gospel. He said, "How do you do?" mean- 
ing, as I understood him, what method do you 
take to get religion ? I replied, " You know 
you have been a sinner all your days : you have 
sinned against light and knowledge ; and God 
mitrht, in justice, have cut you off this morning ; 
but still he spares you. Now can't you, don't 
you feel sorry that you have thus lived and 
sinned against God, the best of beings ? He 
requires you to ' confess and forsake your sins,' 
and promises, if your repentance be genuine, 
that he will ^show mercv.' Remember th^ 



82 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

expiring thief on the cross ; the Lord had com- 
passion on him even in his last moments. ' Ask, 
and ye shall receive ; seek, and ye shall find ; 
knock, and it shall be opened unto yon."' He 
said, " I did'nt know it was so easy !" Then 
turning to sister E., said, *' How is it?" She 
replied, " It is just so." Still, however, we 
could get no promise from him that he would in 
earnest set about the great work ; though he 
afterward told sister E. he did pray. This was 
on Wednesday. On Friday he made his will, 
and settled all his temporal concerns with as 
much composure as if he had been in perfect 
health. That evening the Rev. Charles Giles 
conversed closely with him, though I think he 
obtained no very satisfactory evidence that he 
was a child of God. On Saturday I perceived 
he was fast failing, and resolved, as soon as I 
had finished a little piece of work then in hand, 
to go in and converse with him again. But 
just before I was ready to enter his room, sis- 
ter E. threw open the door, and said he was 
dying. I ran in and entreated him to look to 
the Lord. Being speechless, my mother asked 
him to squeeze her hand as a sign if he had 
given himself to the Saviour. But his strength 
was gone. I again earnestly entreated him to 
look to the Saviour of sinners, telling him that 
Christ was as willing to save him as he was the 
expiring thief. He soon raised his longing 
eyes toward heaven, and every breath seemed, 
from the motion of his lips, to be prayer. My 
father being absent, and no persons present 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 83 

but my mother and sister, I continued to exhort 
him to '•' believe on the Lord Jesus Christ." 
Our united prayer was, " Lord, have mercy up- 
on him and save his soul. We cannot bear the 
thought of his dwelling in everlasting burnings. 
O. that we may have some sign that his sins 
are forgiven, if it be only a smile." "Yes," 
said I, '* if he can but die with a smile on his 
countenance I shall be satisfied." Soon after 
this he cast his eyes downward with a smile, 
and then bade the world adieu, on the 22d of 
I^Jarch, 1823, in the thirty-fourth year of his age. 
Had I followed my feelings when he smiled, 
I should have exclaimed, '' He is happy ! he is 
happy !" for I was then relieved of as great a 
burden as I was when my own sins were for- 
given ; though the burden was of a different 
kiud. Death-bed repentance is, I know, in 
general, entitled to little credit ; but there was 
something in this case peculiar, and something 
that afforded the greatest satisfaction to the 
whole family. Still, however, the difficulty with 
which my brother was brought to any thing 
like a just sense of his lost condition, should 
operate as a warning to the impenitent not to 
put off the concerns of the soul till they are 
on a bed of languishing. Mr. Giles preached 
on occasion of my brother's death to a large and 
attentive congregation, from 1 Pet. iv, 7, •' But 
the end of all things is at hand ; be ye there- 
fore sober, and watch unto prayer." In speaking 
of the resurrection, he was favoured with great 
liberty, and it was truly a refreshing season. 



81 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

In August of this year I visited the springs 
in Sullivan, Madison county, and boarded with 
uncle W., a Universalist. His residence was 
about two miles up the Chittenango Creek. 
The scenery was not only romantic, but admi- 
rably adapted to inspire one with lofty thoughts 
of the Deity. But 1 w^as not without my trials, 
being separated from friends and Christian so- 
ciety, save only a dear cousin living at a little 
distance, whose heart had been divinely touch- 
ed. Although young in experience, she was 
indeed a comfort to me. No meetings were 
held within about two miles. The first sab- 
bath I received an invitation to go to church ; 
and went without asking where, supposing, of 
course, it was at tlie village. But Avhen we 
reached the village, we passed through it and 
came to a school-house, where we found the 
people repairing to some large oaks, with a 
view to shelter themselves under their spread- 
ing branches from the burning rays of a sum- 
mer's sun. We took our chairs and were com- 
fortably seated, when, to my surprise and great 
satisfaction, the Rev. William Case arose to 
address the audience. In the afternoon he 
preached at Canasaraga village, " in demonstra- 
tion of the Spirit and with power." While he 
rehearsed the goodness of God, and brought past 
occurrences to remembrance, the hearts of the 
people melted like wax before the fire. This 
was a memorable season, and I felt my spiritual 
strength greatly renew^ed. 

On Saturday evening cousin Eliza brought 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 85 

home a novel, and laid it upon ilio table. I 
look It up, and after ascertaining its character, 
asked her if she read such books I She replied, 
'•Not very often'' — she Iiad borrowed it for 
another person to read. The next morning 
she took the book, and, accompanied by several 
others, went into the orchard, where, after seat- 
ing herself under the shade of an apple tree, 
(the very spot to which I frequently retired for 
meditation and prayer,) she read to them. I 
went so near that 1 heard what they were read- 
ing, and then silently retired to another part of 
the orchard ; presuming, however, that they 
saw me pass. My sensations were not only 
tender, but painful, when I reflected that so 
many of the youth had assembled to spend the 
holy sabbath in such a manner, and that I had 
passed so near Avithout saying any thing to 
them. I endeavoured to ask counsel of the 
Lord, and feeling impressed to return, I went 
tremblingly. On approaching them, I said, 
" Cjirls, what are you reading — a noveH" 
Cousin E. replied, '• Vv'e are not reading the 
whole — only the account of Miss Blank's sick- 
ness and death. It is very good — she died of 
the consumption : don't you wish to hear it ?" 
I responded, •' Do you believe it is true •'' She 
said she did not know that it was. I then said, 
with tears in my eyes, "Girls, if you will seri- 
ously reflect on death, judgment, and eternity, 
you will have enough to occupy your minds, 
especially on the sabbath, without reading 
novels." The result was they soon dismissed 



86 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

their book and borrowed a Bible, in which one 
after another read till two or three o'clock, P. 
M. Happy, no doubt, would it have been for 
them, had they followed the light of that pre- 
cious volume. Soon after I went to the house, 
several young men from that and the adjoining 
neighbourhood came in and conversed on vari- 
ous subjects of a worldly nature, one of them 
profanely swearing almost at every sentence ! 

I had gone up stairs to lie down, as I could 
find no book to read in except such as treated 
On Universalism, or some. other subject equally 
unprofitable to me, there being but one Bible 
in the house, and in thut my uncle was then 
reading. Never before did I fully realize the 
value of sabbath and sanctuary privileges. I 
wept and rejoiced that I had early sought and 
found the favour of God, and thereby escaped a 
thousand snares incident to youth. At the 
same time I anticipated with high satisfaction 
the period when I should return to the society 
of my dear brethren and friends, and join with 
them in prayer and songs of praise to our 
adorable Redeemer. I now felt it my solemn 
duty to converse with my uncle about keeping 
the sabbath, and reproving persons for swear- 
ing profanely. When I did so, he said, they 
did not trouble him, for he had been reading 
the blessed book (the Bible) all the time. I 
replied, '' If you believe what it contains, I 
should think it would trouble you, and that you 
would allow it no more." He answered, " Am 
I my neighbour's keeper ?" I responded, " The 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 87 

Bible says, ' Thou shall in any wise reprove 
thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.' " 
He then passionately interrogated me, " Are 
you perfect ?" I was now led into a strait, 
either to deny the doctrine of Christian perfec- 
tion, or to defend it: conscience forbade the 
former, and I rather timidly engaged in the 
latter. Light at once broke into my mind, and 
when I quoted the words of the Saviour, "Be 
ye therefore perfect," &C.5 he seemed confound^ 
ed, shut his Bible, and said no more about per= 
fection. 

I do not remember to have conversed on this 
subject, either iri public or private, without re- 
ceiving a blessing ; and yet, to my shame be 
it recorded, I have received many chastise- 
ments and lost many precious gifts by with- 
holding my testimony. At the close of the 
day I retired to give thanks to almighty God 
for his blessings ; and I earnestly requested 
that I might not see another sabbath similarly 
spent while I stayed. My petition was grant- 
ed, for the next sabbath was a very rainy one. 

My health being considerably improved, I 
wrote a letter home^ and my father came for 
me. The night before I left, when I retired, I 
knelt at my bed-side as usual. Cousin Eliza, 
who slept with me, called me by name several 
times. I paid no attention to her, supposing 
she had not noticed what posture I w^as in, un- 
til she came and knelt by me, and with tears 
said, " Do pray for me, and pray so that I can 
hear you." I did so. and it was a refreshing 



88 ME3I01JI OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

season to my soiiL We had much conversa- 
tion, but I rejoiced with trembling : fearing lest 
through the temptations of the enemy, as she 
had no one to encourage'her, she would become 
weary and faint in her mind, and thus give up 
the pursuit of piety. Such, indeed, I afterward 
learned was the case. Early the next morning 
I left my uncle's. Many of the family were 
bathed in tears. I reached home just at sunset. 
My friends were preparing to go to camp meet- 
ing, in Westmoreland, near the spot where I 
was converted. I w^ent with them, having 
peculiar sensations of joy and gratitude. This 
was an encouraging season, though I did not 
enjoy that depth of communion with God which 
I desired. Several Avere awakened and con- 
verted at this meeting. 

After this I attended our quarterly meeting, 
which was held in Augusta. In the love-feast 
my mind was deeply impressed that, if I 
would ask the brethren to make a covenant to 
pray twice a day for sinners in our place, w^e 
should have a revival. One had just experi- 
enced religion, and oin* society was unusually 
engaged. The preachers on the circuit, Jones 
and Baker, were '• zealously affected in the 
good cause*' of Christ, so that we had much to 
encourage us. But the cross of formally sub- 
mitting this proposition appeared very great, 
and I reasoned in my own mind on the propriety 
of doing it, until I thought, surely it cannot belong 
to me. I wished some one would make the 
proposition, but while I sat trembling under the 



MEMOIR OF LUCY KlCHARDS. 89 

cross, it occurred to me that very possibly no 
other person in the house had the like impres- 
sion ; and the love I felt for the cause, Avith a 
sense of the worth of souls, prompted me to 
arise, and, in the strength of God, do what I 
thought to be my duty. Almost every person 
in the assembly joined in the covenant, and I 
have no doubt it was ratitied in heaven. The 
work commenced that very evening at our 
prayer meeting, and five were awakened and 
converted. The revival continued until about 
thirty professed a gracious change, several of 
v\diom joined our society ; and though we have 
had to mourn over the backslidings of some, 
others caused us much joy by doing honour to 
their profession. 



CHAPTER IX. 

ILLNESS VARIOUS IXCIDF.XTS AND EXERCISES. 

In the spring of 1824 my health was very 
poor, and though I could do but little, I rejoiced 
that my conditioa was no worse ; that I could 
attend the means of grace ; and that I had bet- 
ter opportunity for reading and mental improve- 
ment. 

Aug. 28. A camp meeting was held about a 

, mile from our village. I was able to go out of 

the tent but little, except to hear preaching, but 

the presence of God v/as manifested at the 

prayer meetings held at our tent, especially 



90 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

in my own soul ; so that, at times, I was over- 
whelmed with the divine glory, and felt renew= 
ed in perfect love. vSurely God was in the 
congregation of his saints ! There were but few 
conversions, and we were considerably disturb- 
ed by the wicked, especially on the sabbath; 
and yet I think I can truly say, I was never at 
a better camp meeting, so far at least as my 
own sold was concerned. The work of grace 
appeared to be deepened in the hearts of pro- 
fessors generally ; and we were all encouraged 
to prosecute the heavenly journey. 

While at this meeting a worthy correspond- 
ent, whom I had never before seen, came from 
Lake Erie to see us. She remained till the 
conclusion of the meeting, and then, with her 
companion, made us an agreeable visit at our 
own house. 0, how sweet and tender are the 
ties of Christian friendship ! 

Nov. 20. I was severely afflicted with lame- 
ness, yet could walk a little ; and felt to give 
glory to God that I was not confined to a bed 
of languishing, nor deprived of the use of my 
reason. Yes, I blessed God even in the midst 
of excruciating pain. I sometimes thought 
it would not be long before I should be called 
to pass over the Jordan of death. But my heart 
was fixed, trusting in the living God. I could 
not fear that which would terminate in my 
greatest advantage, and serve to enhance my 
eternal felicity. 

Jan. 1, 1825. I have just heard of the death 
of cousin Rhoda Root, sister to Minerva, of 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 91 

whose death I have before spoken, and wife to 
the same husband. She experienced religion 
in 1816, and became a member of the church. 
Some time after this she w^ent to live with her 
sister in Hamilton, and there got into a cold, 
backslidden state. The fall before her death, 
W'h«n her health W'as in a decline, she visited 
us, and manifested such perfect resignation to 
the divine wdll, that w^e had no doubt but God 
had restored unto her the joys of his salvation. 
During her last sickness she suffered much, 
not being able to lie down in bed for twelve or 
I'ourteen days and nights. But her soul w^as so 
transported wath the joys of heavenly love, that 
it was not unusual for her to break out, even in 
the midst of her paroxysms of distress, in sing- 
ing and shouting the praises of her almighty 
Redeemer. Her last words were, '' Glory to 
God in the highest, peace on earth and good 
will to men." 

In the evening brother G. preached a funeral 
.sermon for her, but did not have that liberty in 
speaking I could have w ished ; and, in conse- 
quence of fatigue and a severe pain in my head, 
every thing appeared to wear a gloomy and 
melancholy aspect ; so that I returned home 
much depressed in spirits. The enemy now 
took advantage of my weakness, telling me, I 
should soon have to follow my departed cousin, 
and that in all probability my sufferings would 
be even greater than hers. I retired, but slept 
very little ; and the next day my nervous sys- 
tem was sadlv excited. I often retired for 



92 MEMOIR OF LUCi' RICHARDS. 

secret ])rayer, but found no relief. Still, strange 
as it may appear, my faith was not in the least 
shaken ; nor had I any fear of death ; but was 
anxious solely on account of sufferings which 
I might pass through previously to my dissolu- 
tion ! I would then think how mercifully the 
Lord supported cousin Rhoda, and concluded 
he would do the same for me if I did but trust 
in him. The tempter next suggested that if I 
died, my body would be surreptitiously taken 
up for dissection, an idea inexpressibly revolt- 
ing to my feelings. Thus I continued, tortured 
and harassed by an insidious foe, for several 
days, during which time my llesh wasted, my 
strength failed, and I was quite sure I could 
not long live in that condition. One evening, 
as I retired, I earnestly besought the Lord to 
deliver my soul; and though I obtained no 
satisfactory answer, I was fully resolved to cast 
my burden upon God's almighty arm. In this 
frame I laid me down, soon fell asleep, and 
rested quietly during the night. In the morn- 
ing I awoke much refreshed, with these words 
running through my mind : 

''I shall sufter and fulfil 

All my Father's gracious will ; 
Be ahke in all resign'cl — 
Jesus' is a patient mind." 

I said, "This is all I want: if I can but be 
fully resigned, 'tis enough." My soul was im- 
mediately filled v/ith divine consolation ; and if 
at any time thereafter I was tempted to think 
about my prospective sufferings, I v/ould im- 



MUMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 93 

mediately reflect that I should have no more to 
pass through than my heavenly Father saw 
would be for the best. Hence I could say, 
"Not my will, but thine be done." And the 
temptation respectinsf the possible disposition 
to be made of my body I met by saying, " I have 
nothing to do with that : I know in whom I 
have believed, and am persuaded he is able to 
keep that which I have committed unto him 
against that day" — the day of glorious resur- 
rection. Thus, in the strength of God, I van- 
quished the tempter. 

Feb. 6th, I was much out of health, yet able 
to attend the worship of God. Brother G. 
Northrop, one of our circuit preachers, deliver- 
ed a discourse on these words : *• We know 
that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were 
^dissolved, we have a building of God, a house 
not made with hands, eternal in the heavens ;" 
and it appeared to me that he not only knew 
my exercises, but intended to preach applica- 
bly to my case. It vras a solemn and profitable 
time to me and many others. I have not heard 
a sermon since, and probably never shall hear 
another, but the remembrance of that one is 
still sv/eet. In the class meeting that followed 
the sermon, God manifested himself still more 
gloriously in our midst. My hope was full of 
immortality, and my soul sunk aw^ay into the 
embraces of its God. 

Thursday 10th, I went to prayer meeting, 
and my brethren as well as m.yself realized the 
quickening influences of the divine Spirit, and 



94 xMEMOIR OF LI'CV RICHARDS. 

covenanted anew to be more faithful. 1 felt 
that trials awaited me, and particularly desired 
an interest in the prayers of God's people. 
That my request was complied with I am not 
permitted to doubt, for I have felt myself 
remarkably supported, 

Saturday 12th, not being able to attend quar- 
terly meeting, I went and stayed with sister 
Cook, living near by. As neither of us could 
do much except converse respecting the bless- 
ings of God to us, we "rejoiced in hope," reali- 
zing that while our outward strength was gradu- 
ally failing, "the inner man" was constantly 
accumulating spiritual vigour. In the evening 
we joined in thanksgiving to God for his bene- 
fits received, and our souls were made to 
rejoice with "joy unspeakable." 

Sunday 13th. Still with sister C., whose 
liealth is yet more feeble. The day seemed 
rather long and gloomy. In the evening bro- 
ther Isaac Stone preached, but my health was 
so poor that I thought it not best to go out. 
Still, that Being who is omniscient as well as 
omnipresent regarded us in our afflictions, 
came to our relief, and permitted us to enjoy 
one of the most agreeable and interesting sea- 
sons I have ever experienced. To his name 
be all the glory ! 

Monday 14th. Brother Stone called at our 
house this morning, and, after a Ihtle conversa- 
tion, read several accounts from the Methodist 
Magazine respecting the work of God among 
the natives of the forest : it seemed to me like 



MEMOIR or LUCY RICHARDS, 95 

a little love-feast. I wept, rejoiced, and thank- 
ed God for his abounding grace. Though 
much more indisposed this morning, my sonl 
was happy in God and perfectly resigned to 
his blessed will. 

Wednesday 16th, brother Giles visited us, 
and gave me many precious promises from the 
book of God, which were like healing balm to 
an aching wound. On Friday, brother Ephraiin 
Hall came and administered a little consolation, 
and then fervently prayed that the will of the 
Lord might be done. On bidding me farewell, 
he said, " Remember the words of David, ^ The 
Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want,''' &c. 
These words have often since been an inex- 
pressible comfort to my soul. Many friends 
visited me this week, several of whom had 
never experienced religion ; and it was the 
delight of my soul to proclaim to them the 
loving kindness of the Lord. 

Sunday 20th. This has been a happy day 
to my soul, hi the afternoon several young 
persons, members of our society, came to see 
me. We prayed together, and the Lord gave 
us a refreshing shower. 0, vvdiat a strong at= 
tachment I feel to the dear children of God ! 
How they twine around my heart ! Nor is it 
any wonder : they are the children of my faith 
and prayers. How they weep around my bed, 
and pray, if it can be consistent with the divine 
will, that I may be restored to health ! and 
should I ever be, I shall think it chiefly in an- 
swer to prayer, However, I feel perfectly 



95 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

resigned to tlie will of God, knowing that " for 
me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." 

Sunday 27th. I am still growing weaker, 
yet the Lord is my support. He is my all in 
life and death, in time and eternity. I have 
every thing I need— Christian friends — praying 
brethren — affectionate relatives — the necessary 
comforts of life ; yes, and good afflictions to 
wean me from this sinful world. Blessed be 
God for all! That dear man, brother Giles, 
has been again to see us ; and while he read 
and prayed, the glory of God seemed to cover 
us. God of love, make us more holy, and then 
we shall be more happy ! 

March 6th. It will be six weeks to-morrow 
since I was confmed to the house, and mostly 
to my bed. To-day brother C. and brother A., 
our class leader, called to see me. Having 
prayed with me, and being about to take their 
leave, they remarked, it was rather their opinion 
that the Lord would restore me to health again. 
I told them I did not know how that might be, 
but could say, " The will of the Lord be done." 
But I must confess so great was the pressure 
on my lungs, that " their words seemed like an 
idle tale." After they were gone, as I lay ru- 
minating on the subject, the following words 
occurred to my mind with singular force : 
" Seeing their faith, he said unto the sick of the 
palsy, Thy sins are forgiven thee ;" after which 
he healed him. And how do I know, thought 
I, but these brethren have faith 1 To be sure I 
do not positively know, but the presumption is, 



MEMOIR OF LTCV RICHARDS. 97 

that they only have a desirr. Immediately the 
following words were applied : " The desire of 
the righteous shall be granted,'^ and, '* The 
prayer of faith shall save the sick." 

It is now twelve days since they were here, 
and I have gained strength almost constantly ; 
so that I am able to sit up most of the time ; 
but whether I shall finally recover is known 
only to Him with whom the future is as the 
past. I daily see my unwoithiness, and feel 
my utter helplessness ; but God is all in all, 
and in him I continually trust ; so that whether 
I live or die I hope to be his. 

March 24th. This morning I am surrounded 
vvdth temptations, and find it a hard matter to 
keep my affections on things above. Both 
liody and mind are we.ak, and seem to tend to 
earth. O, why this '' looking at things that are 
seen"' — things temporal and perishing ? My 
father has let out his farm to my brother Wil- 
liam, and bought another about a fourth of a 
mile nearer the village. I am too feeble to be 
removed, and must stay where I am till I have 
more strength — if indeed I ever have before 
mortality is swallowed up of life. But this 
severing of the family is very painful to me. I 
expect to tabernacle here but a few more days, 
and should be glad could v/e all live together 
while I remain. Be this however as it may, I 
trust we shall so live on earth as to live together 
in heaven. All are now members of the society 
except my brother W., and I hope I shall 
see him converted before I go hence to be here 



98 ME.UOIK OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

no more : and though my eyes are now a 
fountain of tears, I do hope in God that I shall 
yet praise him, for I know when I am tried I 
shall come forth as gold. 

March 25th. Sorrow may endure for a night, 
but joy cometh again in the morning. Yes, 
blessed be God, the Sun of righteousness has 
dispersed those clouds that hung over my sk}^ 
yesterday, and my glad soul mounts upward on 
the wings of faith, so that with inexpressible 
delight I am permitted to vie\¥ " the things 
that are eternal." 

March 28th. My health is a little better, 
though I still need much grace, and must exer- 
cise a constant reliance on the divine arm for 
support. To-day my parents and my youngest 
brother and sister have moved, and I am left 
with sister P. till the weather is more favoura- 
ble. My room has been mostly stripped of its 
furniture ; and while looking at its naked walls, 
I have been reminded of my native nothing- 
ness. Another trivial occurrence led to a most 
solemn train of reflection. My brother was en- 
gaged in clearing out the cellar, and the first 
dirt he threv/ into the measure sounded like 
clods falling upon the lid of a coffin, wdiicli 
turned my meditations to my own dissolution. 
I thought, how will my relatives and friends 
feel when they see the earth thrown upon my 
lifeless form 1 Will they not breathe a sigh and 
shed a tear, while they say, Lucy has gone to 
her Saviour and our Saviour, to her God and 
our God ^ And am I prepared to go'? If not 



MEMOIR OF LVCY RICHARDS. 99 

afraid to die, am I not afraid to be dead ? 
Blessed be God, '' perfect love casteth out 
fear." I felt that death was to me a vanquish- 
ed foe. As yet, however, I am not called to 
die, but only to be in readiness ; as I know not 
the day nor the hour in which the Son of man 
Cometh. Hold out then, O my soul, a little 
longer ! Bear patiently the infirmities of thy 
frail body ! Submit cheerfully to the afflictions 
that befall thee ; for it will be but a little time 
before thou shalt be honourably discharged from 
this militant state ! Thy conflicts will then cease, 
and thou shalt enter into joys immortal. Halle- 
lujah to God and the Lamb for ever and ever ! 
29th. This morning when I awoke the 
bright luminary of day, emblem of the Sun 
of righteousness, had thrown his resplendent 
beams upon the naked walls of my apartment. 
I arose, and raised ray grateful heart to my 
kind Preserver. Being much refreshed, and 
the day being very pleasant, I thought it proba- 
ble that it would be judged the most suitable 
time for my removal. But how can I bear to 
leave this old habitation, where the Lord has 
so often blessed me ? There is, indeed, scarcely 
a foot of the upper or lower floor upon which I 
have not knelt, and held communion with God. 
I knew God was the same in every place, and 
immediately felt these comforting words ap- 
plied : " As thy days so shall thy strength be :" 
and, blessed be God, I have often realized the 
fulfilment of the promise. About ten o'clock, 
A M., my bed was placed on the vehicle, and 



100 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

with the necessary assistance, I was soon com- 
fortably seated by the side of sister E., so that 
I reached our new residence with much less 
fatigue than 1 had anticipated. As, however, 
I never expected to return, my feelings can 
be better imagined than described. 

After I had rested awhile, brother and sister 
Giles, in company with brother and sister 
Cook, came in ; and I can never be sufficiently 
thankful for their comforting words and earnest 
prayers. O, how sacred and tender are the 
ties of Christian friendship ! Several others 
visited me in the evening, with whom I took 
sweet counsel ; but as health forbids my noting 
circumstances, I cannot record their names ; 
though I shall always retain them on the im- 
perishable tablet of my heart. May the Lord 
bless them and keep them as the apple of his 
eye ! 

April 1st. We had a prayer meeting at our 
house, and it was a good time ; for our souls 
were greatly refreshed. I told the brethren 
they need not be afraid that their animated ex- 
ercises would harm me ; for I believed it would 
do me good to hear them shout the praises of 
God even upon the highest key. And when I 
sympathized with them in their joyous emo- 
tions, it was like cordial to the fainting soul; 
though I had not been left comfortless a mo- 
ment during all my afflictions. 

April 5th. This morning, for the first time in 
six weeks, I trod the native soil, and went forth 
to trace the footsteps of my God and Father. 



AIEMOIR or LLCV RICHARDS. 101 

All nature seemed to rejoice at the return of 
spring ; the little warblers of the forest espe- 
cially seemed disposed to '* try their choicest 
strains/' Still it was a day of some trial to me ; 
for ever since my health began to improve, my 
mind has, at different times, been exercised on 
the subject of collecting my writings together 
and arranging them something in the form of a 
journal. Sometimes I almost reason myself 
into the propriety of it ; but when I consider 
there is nothing remarkable in ray experience, 
and that what I hp.ve written was for my own 
private benefit only, I think, surely it cannot be 
my duty ; and thus reason myself out of it 
again. But when my thoughts take this turn, 
both body and mind are afflicted ; while, on the 
other hand, when I conclude to proceed, I am 
not only comforted and strengthened, but past 
occurrences are brought as vividly to my recol- 
lection as if they had transpired but yesterday! 
This seems something like an indication of 
duty, and Omniscience only knows how many 
tears I have slied on account of it. Whether, 
however, I shall ever accomplish any thing 
time must determine ; though the present in- 
clination of my mind is to cherish the impres- 
sion. Surely I would glorify God both in soul 
and body, for both are his. 

April 16th. My mind has been variously ex- 
ercised for some days past. Now and then I 
have had a pleasant gale, which has seemed to 
waft me near the haven of eternal repose ; and 
then agam I have been forced out to sea, amidst 



102 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

"waves, and clouds, and storms," But in the 
midst of all 1 have had an unshaken confidence 
in God ; and whether the waves ran high or 
low, I felt an uninterrupted calm within. Here, 
then, is the true excellence of religion. To me 
it is no wonder that Job said, " Though he slay 
me, yet will I trust in him." I feelan inde- 
scribable happiness in giving up myself entirely 
into the hands of my blessed Redeemer. To 
know that he is mine and I am his, and shall 
be his for ever, fills me with astonishment, love, 
and praise. 

To-day I have been under the disagreeable 
necessity of reproving a dear sister in the 
church for being so much attached to the plea- 
sures of this vain world. At first she appeared 
hard, though she said but little in her own de- 
fence ; but when I entreated her with tears I 
saw there was a degree of tenderness in her 
feelings ; and the next sabbath she made a most 
humble and satisfactory confession. O Lord, 
help her ever to realize that " the friendship of 
the world is enmity with God !" 

Sunday 17th. The morning being fine, I 
walked out to take the air, and had just seated 
myself a few rods from the door, when brother 
Z. Paddock, one of the circuit preachers, came 
and joined our little company. His words 
were rendered a peculiar blessing to me. 
After mentioning the Lord's dealings with his 
afflicted j>eople, he proceeded to remark, that 
if we considered these chastisements as coming 
from the hand of a paternal Being, and exer- 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 103 

cised toward that Being the appropriate moral 
feelings, they would " work out for us a far more 
exceeding and eternal weight of glory." On 
the other hand, if these afflictions are regarded 
as the offspring of chance, or the expression of 
God's vindictive displeasure, they only tend to 
sour the mind and harden the heart. He also 
mentioned a passage in Mr. Whitefield's sermon 
on '' glorifying God in the fire," in which the 
author says, that when in England, he visit- 
ed a glass factory, and that he saw some of the 
w^orkmen removing the partially finished ware 
from one burning oven to another. On inquiry, 
he found this was done to temper it and make 
it transparent. Mr. W. then lifted his heart 
in prayer, and said, ^' O God, cause my soul to 
pass from one burning oven to another till it is 
completely purified and fully prepared for thy 
blessed use." "But," said brother P., 'vour 
afflictions must be sanctified ; otherwise they 
will do us no good." 

I felt the force of every word, and, after the 
family went to meeting, bowed before the Lord 
and began to pray that he would sanctify afflic- 
tions to my spiritual good, and that he would 
take me, if necessary, out of one oven and put 
me into another till my soul should be fully 
purified and fraught with the excellence of di- 
vine love. In a moment I was so overwhelm- 
ed with the divine presence, that I could say 
nothing but " glory, glory !" It was indeed a 
^' weight of glory," under which it would seem 
my frail tabernacle must dissolve, and allow the 



104 MKMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

spirit to return to the bosom of its God ! When, 
liowever, I came to reflect that T was specially 
charged by my physician to exercise but little, 
and called to remembrance the pressure that I 
felt at my lungs in the morning, I endeavoured 
to restrain my feelings : but O, it was all glory ! 
Awhile after I prepared a little refreshment ; 
and I shall never forget with what thankful- 
ness I partook of it, mingling the whole with 
tears. I then lay down, but my soul was so 
joyful that I arose and made a brief memoran- 
dum of my exercises ; and, feeling impressed 
to do so, sent it to brother Paddock at the close 
of the morning services. He afterward told 
me it was rendered a groat blessing to him. 
The enemy of my soul soon tempted me to 
think I had exercised so much that I should not 
soon get over it : but, blessed be God, instead 
of losing-, I find I have acquired strength, soul 
and body, and am determined, more than ever, 
to know nothing but Christ and him crucified. 

the unfathomable depths of Jesus' love ! 
Lord, ever keep me in this channel, and then 

1 shall " rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing, 
and in every thing give thanks." 

25th. I have had severe conflicts to-day, and 
have been more tempted to a light and trifling 
spirit than for weeks before, and feel sensible 
I have yielded too much. But I soon saw my 
error, cried to the Lord for deliverance, and 
hope I shall have grace to be more watchful in 
future. 

Ma,y 4th. Rode out this morning, and am 



MEMOIIl OF LUCY RICHARDS. 105 

but little fatigued, it has seemed to nie, for 
several days, that perhaps my work is not yet 
done. Although feeble, I can with pleasure 
employ my pen a little occasionally ; and what 
makes it a pleasure is, I feel it to be a duty. I 
now, more than ever, see the hand of God in my 
afflictions, feel that they have been sanctified 
to my good, and hope hereafter to make a right 
use of all I suffer or enjoy ; so that I may 
glorify and enjoy God now and evermore/ 
Amen. 



CHAPTER X. 

RETURNING HEALTH VARIOUS EXERCISES AND INCIDENTS, 

May 20th. My health continues to improve, 
and I have this day been permitted to visit my 
brother and sister at the old house. My feel- 
ings, on entering the various apartments, were 
singularly tender and pleasurable. I said to 
myself, Here is the place where I cried unto 
the Lord in my distress, w^hen it seemed 
that the very pains of hell gat hold on me; and 
here is where my soul has often been comfort- 
ed and blest ; and here I have mournfully en- 
joyed communion \vith my Lord, while suffering 
severe bodily affiictions ; and here I have en- 
joyed sweet feilow^ship w^ith the saints. My 
heart was full. I fell upon my knees and craved 
a blessing, while I felt in my soul the warmest 
emotions of t^ratitude. And may the Lord 



106 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

help me to spend the rest of my days in his 
service, and improve them to the best possible 
advantage! 

29th. Blessed be God, I have this day enjoy- 
ed one more sabbath of rest in the temple of 
prayer ! I sat under the droppings of the sanc- 
tuary, and was refreshed. In class I rejoiced 
that my brethren were standing fast, striving 
together for the faith of the gospel, though ap- 
parently not quite as zealous as they were the 
last time I met with them. O Lord, revive thy 
work both in their hearts and mine ; so that we 
may be prepared to live or fitted to die I 

June 12th. I have this day been blessed 
with an opportunity of hearing brother Paddock 
preach on " Wisdom is the principal thing ; 
therefore get wisdom." And O how did my 
heart expand with a desire for a more perfect 
knowledge and a deeper experience in the 
things of God ! I see and feel my poverty, 
while I realize that '^ Wisdom is justified of 
her children :" but take encouragement when I 
reflect that the " only wase God our Saviour," 
*' giveth liberally and upbraideth not." I feel 
the work of grace going on in my heart, and 
can truly say, 

*' None but Christ to me be given. — 
None but Christ in earth or heaven." 

19th. For a few days past I have been led 
to examine my heart very closely, as I have 
had some trials from a near friend. These, 
however, serve only as a spur to drive me 
nearer the throne of grace. Last evening 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 107 

three or four of us joined in solemn prayer, and 
the place was indeed a little bethel to our 
souls. Heaven seemed near while we poured 
out our souls for the salvation of poor perish- 
ing sinners. To-day (sabbath) I have not been 
permitted to meet with my brethren, but have 
not been deprived of the presence of God. No : 
glory to his holy name, in secret prayer I hs,ve 
enjoyed sweet communion with the adorable 
Jesus ; and, while contemplating his charms, 
have anticipated the day when I shall be asso- 
ciated with his people in unbroken fellowship 
and unending praises. How then can I regret 
the speedy lapse of time ? 

July 21st. What shall I render unto the 
Lord for all his mercies bestowed upon one of 
the unworthiest of all his creatures ? My 
health is gTeatly improved. Surely the least I 
can do is, to give him my whole heart. How 
fai»I come short in this. Lord, thou knowest : 
and it is a satisfaction to me that thou dost 
know ; for " thou knowest that I love thee," 
and that it is my one desire to serve and glo- 
rify thee. And yet I often fear I shall not live 
answerably to the blessings I daily receive. 
God of love, help me ! 

Last week I visited my brethren at Sauquoit, 
and though they have their trials on account of 
the declension of religion in that place, yet the 
Lord manifested his presence to a few of us who 
joined in prayer at the house of brother Giles. 
It was indeed a season of refreshing to our 
souls. 



108 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

Yesterday I went with cousin P., who has 
been much afflicted, to visit cousin E. I fear, 
however, that those afflictions have not had 
their designed effect. I found it a very easy 
matter to converse with them about any thing 
except rehgion : but as soon as I introduced 
this, or attempted to speak of our own or other's 
mortality, another subject was immediately and 
with singular dexterity substituted : an evidence 
this that their hopes and prospects are still 
earth-bound. O when will they learn to be 
wise, and seek a better good than this poor 
world can, by any possibility, afford ! 

August 1st. I have just returned from camp 
meeting, and though, humanly speaking, I have 
been much exposed, yet I am in better health 
than when I Avent. " Who shall harm us if we 
be followers of that which is ^ood?" Thous^h 
I did not enjoy as much as at some other times, 
it was a great and good meeting. To mys^f, 
indeed, it was profitable ; for I was quickened, 
comforted, and encouraged to seek after more 
of the mind that was in Christ. There were 
not far from fifty conversions, and many left the 
ground sorrowing on account of their sins. 
This evening my soul has been wonderfully 
blessed in secret prayer. O God, Iknow that 
thou art mine, and I am thine, and believe I 
shall be to all eternity ! 

21st. Since I wrote last I have been closely 
pursued by the enemy of all righteousness, and 
have had sore trials to pass through ; yet the 
Lord has mercifully appeared for my deliver- 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 109 

ance. Glory be to his name for ever ! The 
quarterly meeting I attended in Augusta was 
rendered a great blessing to my soul, as was 
the covenant we made in our owm society to 
pray for more religion. The latter, in particu- 
lar, was so profitable, that yesterday our leader, 
brother Addington, proposed a renewal of it ; 
when the Spirit of God was poured out, his 
glory tilled the temple, and the cup of our joy 
was made to run over; so that many of our 
neighbours hastened to see what v/as the mat- 
ter ! God of benevolence, hasten the time when 
they shall consent to drink of the same rivers 
of pleasure ! 

Oct. 3, 1825. I am this day thirty-three 
years old ; and though I have not written 
for some time, my_ spiritual birth-day has not 
been forgotten ; nor have I been altogether in- 
sensible of the mercies received. I have been 
on a very pleasant journey down the Susque- 
hannah, which has proved advantageous to both 
soul and body. I found my old friends (dear 
father West's family) very comfortably and 
pleasantly situated. I went with them ta class 
and prayer meeting, and rejoiced that there 
w'ere so many in that place who loved the gates 
of Zion. It was indeed hard parting with my 
dear sister L.; but we anticipated the day 
when, if faithful, we shall meet to part no 
more. This morning my soul is much drawn 
out in prayer for a deeper work of grace. O 
that I may now be filled with the Holy Ghost ! 

Nov. 24th. A day of public thanksgiving. 



110 MEMOIR OF LUGY RICHARDS. 

As an individual, I think I feel mifeignedly 
grateful for the temporal and spiritual blessings 
I enjoy. Still I am too cold. O for a seraph's 
heart, and a seraph's lay ! Though we have to 
mourn over the backslidings of some of the 
youth in our society, who appear to be " lovers 
of pleasure more than lovers of God," yet we 
are favoured with seasons of spiritual refresh- 
ment. May we be truly thankful ! For myself, 
how many soever rise up and oppose " the good 
old way," I am determined to " walk therein ;" 
for it is only in so doing that I expect to find 
rest to my soul. 

Dec. 10th. Attended a quarterly meeting at 
Westmoreland. It was a blessed season to 
my soul, and I think I never felt a greater at- 
tachment to the blessed Saviour and his dear 
people. At no former period did the doctrine 
of Christian holiness appear more excellent : 
and although I do not enjoy that fulness which 
is my privilege, yet I am seeking after it. 
Many times, indeed, my cup of joy runneth 
over ; and I read my title clear to the mansions 
of rest. Even this day, I " stand and rejoice 
in the hope of the glory of God/' 

Jan. 1, 1826. One week ago this day we 
held a love-feast, and had the sacrament of the 
Lord's supper administered in our society. It 
was rather a dull time, and I did not get that 
blessing which my soul ^ anxiously desired. 
However, we held a prayer meeting at our 
house in the evening, as we could not go to the 
chapel in consequence of rain, and the Lord 



MIJMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. Ill 

blessed my soul in a wonderful manner. To- 
day, through ill health, I am not permitted to 
meet with my brethren in the temple of the 
Lord ; and yet I feel no disposition to complain 
Why should 1 ? For several months past I have 
enjoyed sabbath and sanctuary privileges too 
precions ever to be forgotten. I have some- 
times thought the Lord was preparing me for 
trials, but did not look for them in this way. 
My health has been so good that I could en- 
dure much fatigue, and perform a pretty good 
week's work. But the scene has changed, and 
dark clouds overcast my sky! I have a great 
oppression on my lungs, attended with consi- 
derable cough ; and though I cannot foresee 
the issue, yet one thing, blessed be God, I can 
do — I can trust wholly in him. To me this is 

'• More precious than silver or gold. 
Or all that this earth can afford." 

Yes, I can trust in him for all things, knowing 
that " all things work together for good to 
them that love God.*' No matter then, O my 
soul, if thou canst not penetrate the " clouds and 
darkness round about the throne ;" 'tis enough 
for thee to know that " righteousness and judg- 
ment" characterize the administration of Him 
that sitteth on the throne. Let the frail fabric 
fall — thou shalt then wing thy way, quick as 
thought, to glory and to God ! 

" Let sickness blast, let death devour, 
If heaven must recompense our pains ; 
Perish the grass, and fade the flower. 
If firm the wasd of God semains " 



112 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

Jan. 7th. My brother William was married 
on the 4th instant to Miss M, Knights. I have 
had strength according to my day, being suffi- 
ciently well to attend the nuptial solemnities. 
But w^hat is best of all, amidst the crowds at- 
tendant on the occasion, my soul was kept 
in perfect peace, and my mind calmly stayed 
upon God. To-day, in secret prayer, he has 
given me a fresh token of his love. Blessed 
be his name for ever and ever ! 

10th. Yesterday my brother moved his wife 
home, and had " the third part of the wedding," as 
they termed it. My two sisters, E. and M., went. 
To describe my feelings would be impossible. 
" My head was as waters, and mine eyes as a 
fountain of tears." Not particularly because 
they w^ent ; but from the reflection that time is 
short, eternity at hand, and the chief portion of 
the company seemed unconcerned respecting it. 
My brother J. is already gone : and, when he 
was a corpse, w^as laid in the very room where 
they are now assembled ! Besides, that house 
has been for many years a house of prayer ; 
and now it is devoted to eating and drinking, 
and m.aking merry. In view of these facts I 
could not refrain from tears, and spent much of 
the evening in silent prayer. From that time 
to this (Jan. 21st) I have been able to do but 
little, being severely afflicted in various w^ays. 
But the Lord knoweth what is best, and doeth 
all things well. O that I may always feel as I 
now do — humble and resigned ! and then all 
will be well. 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RlCIiAUDS. 113 

Feb. 18th. 1 have again considerable pres- 
sure at my lungs. Others, however, suffer as 
well as myself. The influenza is remarkably 
prevalent in the whole neighbourhood. But 
how much less are we afflicted than we deserve! 
It is a time of general stupidity and declension 
in religion ; and, since mercies have not led us 
to repentance, we may well look for judgments. 
May we all '• learn righteousness," and turn 
unto him who chastens ! 

I have had several hard struggles with the 
enemy of late, and many times have found but 
little comfort in secret prayer, so that I have 
been tempted to give up the practice of it. 
Feeling no disposition to do this, however, I 
continued the struggle till I am at length made 
triumphant and filled with divine consolation. 
'' Thanks be unto God, who giveth us the victory 
through our Lord Jesus Christ." 

March 1st. To-day I went to see cousin H. S., 
who appears to be in the last stage of a pulmo- 
nary disease ; but he is resigned and happy, 
ready and willing to depart and be with Christ. 
Such is the power of evangelical faith ! I feel 
my mind tender and solemn, and, at the same 
time, rejoice that it is as well with me as it is. 
But, after all, how far beneath my privilege do 
I live ! O, Jesus, raise me higher in the know- 
ledge and enjoyment of thyself ! I feel like the 
veriest worm of earth, dependant on thee for 
every mercy. Apart from grace, I am nothing, 
and have nothing. Surely, the last stone in 
8' 



114 MEMOIR 01 LUCY RICHAKOS. 

the spiritual edifice is to be brought forth v/ith 
shoutings of " Grace, grace unto it !" 

12th. We have this day been called to fol- 
low one of our neighbours to the tomb. When 
taken sick she was unprepared to meet God ; 
but she earnestly sought, and we have reason 
to believe found, pardon and peace through the 
merits of a crucified Saviour. Her last words 
were, " Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!" Brother 
Harmon preached an appropriate discourse on 
occasion of her death, at the Episcopal church, 
from Job xxx, 23 : ^' I know thou wilt bring me 
to death, and to the house appointed for all liv- 
ing." Her husband was in great distress, but 
subsequently found peace, and became a mem- 
ber of our society. 

For several days past I have felt rather stu- 
pid, and have not realized so much of the pre- 
sence of God as I could wish. Sometimes 1 
have thought it was owing to my bodily weak- 
ness, and at other times to the want of faith. 
But whatever has been the cause, I now feel 
greatly quickened, and am resolved, more than 
ever, to be a whole-hearted Christian. 

April 9th. I have enjoyed another Christian 
sabbath, and have been permitted to join my 
brethren in the house of prayer. It was, in- 
deed, a memorable time. Brother Harmon, 
though feeble in health, did great justice to 
those deep words of the apostle, "If any man 
be in Christ, he is a new creature," &c., 2 Cor. 
V, 17. I was led to look back more than six- 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 115 

teen years, to the time when I experienced this 
new creation. But a consciousness that the 
work had hcen wrought was not my only con- 
solation : my rejoicing w^as the testimony of a 
good conscience, while the Spirit of God bore 
witness with my spirit that I w^as a child of his. 
And I felt I should much rather die to-day, 
than backslide and wound the cause of God. 
Of this, however, there is no necessity. Even 
were I to live as long as did Enoch, it would be 
ray duty as w^ell as my privilege, like him to 
walk v/ith God. O that every faculty of my 
soul may be awake to spiritual action ! 

Tuesday 11th, I visited }>Irs. G., a Presby- 
terian, and sympathized with her in her aiilic- 
tions.- She is surrounded with much of this 
world's goods, but the consumption wall soon, 
no doubt, remove her hence. She says that 
when she thinks of the sins she has committed 
since she became a professor, she is afraid : 
at other times the thought of death appears very 
pleasant. At her request I prayed with her, 
and found it a -profitable time to my own soul. 
May the Lord cut short his work in righteous- 
ness, and prepare her for his heavenly kingdom ! 

21st. We have this da^/ paid our last respects 
to the mortal remains of cousin H. S. His disease 
being a lingering consumption, many and severe 
were his afflictions ; insomuch, that at times he 
was almost impatient to be gone. The last 
time I saw him was several days before his 
death. We talked a little about our mutual 
afflictions, and much about our heavenly inherit- 



116 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

ance. Thougli he thought he should not live 
through the night, he was perfectly tranquil 
and happy, and maintained the same blessed 
frame of mind to the last. He died in the 
26th year of his age. The Rev. Mr. HoUister, 
an Episcopal minister, preached the funeral 
sermon from John xi, 25, 26, "Jesus said unto 
him, I am the resurrection and the life," &c. 
Jt was a solemn and profitable season to my 
soul : indeed, I often find it more advantageous 
to go to the house of mourning than to the 
house of feasting. 

May 28th. I attended quarterly meeting in 
Utica. The last time I was there on a similar 
occasion, the following scripture would have 
been strikingly applicable : " By whom shall 
Jacob arise, for he is small ?" but now one 
might exclaim, '* What hath God wrought!" 
Within the last few months hundreds have been 
converted to God in the city and its neighbour- 
hood ; and it was truly animating to sit with 
them in love-feast, and hear them declare with 
so much simplicity and earnestness the won- 
derful works of God. The venerable Bishop 
M'Kendree, being present, preached in the 
forenoon with remarkable eloquence and im- 
pressiveness, on, *' God so loved the world," 
&c. Bishop Hedding preached in the after- 
noon, but we could not stay to hear him. On 
our way home we stopped at a school-house, 
and heard brother W. M. Willet discourse from, 
" If God be for us, who can be against us ?" 
My heart was truly humbled within me when I 



MEMOIR OF LUCV RICHARDS. 117 

realized that God, who is the best of beings, and 
the source of all true enjoyment, is my Father 
and my God. O who would not be a Christian ! 
Who would not seek the friendship of him who 
always has been, and w^ho ahvavs will be, wdll- 
ing to defend those who trust in him ! Others 
may choose as they please, but with the prophet 
Jeremiah, I will say, '^ The Lord is my portion, 
therefore w411 I hope in him." 

June 7th. I am again severely afflicted with 
a pain in my side ; so that some of the time I 
am obliged to keep my bed. Still I rejoice 
that " whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth." 
Doubtless I needed checking a little. Having 
an opportunity to obtain a little money by 
sewing, I went quite beyond my strength ; 
though I did not design to do wrong. It ap- 
peared reasonable that I should do all I could to 
maintain myself, and have a little to give for 
the support of the gospel. Possibly, however, 
had I spent a little time in visiting the sick, or 
in some other work of mercy, it might have 
been more pleasing to God as well as more 
conducive to health. Still I intended to do 
right ; and if I erred, I can only say, " Father, 
forgive." And if he sees it not best to intrust 
me with health, I hope to be fully resigned ; 
and finally to be saved, even though it be " as 
by fire." Afflictions, in themselves, do not 
possess any saving virtue. They are effica- 
cious only as far as they lead one to trust in 
the " Hope of Israel." Thus sanctified, they 
** work out for us a far more exceeding and eternal 



118 MEMOIR OF LVCY RICHAllDS. 

weight of glory." And I have no doubt that 
thousands will bless God in eternity, that they 
were made to " pass tlirough the fire and through 
the flames/' 

June 12th. This afternoon I have been to 
visit dear brother Smith,* who, for months past, 
has been in a decline. Though in much bodily 
pain, he was measurably resigned to the will of 
Heaven. Still he felt greatly distressed in 
view of his past unfaithfulness and consequent 
unworthiness. He was reminded that looking 
at his own unworthiness would do him no good ; 
but that he must look to Christ, remembering 
that his blood alo7ie " cleanseth from all sin.'' 
Here was his only hope — his only refuge. He 
rejoiced at intervals, and then again doubts 
seem.ed to trouble him. I retired in secret, and 
felt my heart much drawn out in prayer that he 
might find full redemption before we left. Se- 
veral of our brethren being present, brother S, 
desired that prayer might be offered on his be- 
half. After singing, '* On Jordan's stormy 
banks I stand," &c., we joined in prayer for 
him, and the divine presence seemed to fill the 
place. With the greatest apparent emotion he 
exclaimed, " Glory, glory, glory to God !" He 
then said, •' I thank thee, O blessed Father, for 
this unspeakable privilege. Thou hast sent my 

" Seth Smith, father of A. W. Smitji, the able professor 
of natural philosophy and astronomy in the Wesleyan 
University, Middletown, Conn. A particular account of 
the death of this excellent man will be found in the ninth 
volume of the Methodist Magazine, pp, 397, 398. — Ed. 



MEMOIR OF LUCY illCHARDS. 119 

breLhren and sisters here to pray for me ; and 
truly they hare brought with them the s^reat 
Physician ; the Physician of soul and body, for 
I am now free from pain and filled with divine 
consolation.'' He proceeded to pray most fer- 
vently for himself and family, thanking God for 
every temporal and spiritual mercy, and espe- 
cially for the conversion of his eldest son, then 
in college, and prayed that he might be a bless- 
ing to his widowed mother, when his father 
was no more, aiding her in instructing and 
training up his younger brothers and sisters in 
the ways of religion and virtue ; at the same 
time expressing the strongest assurance that God 
would brins: all his children to the knowledge 
of the truth. He then concluded by praying 
for the world lying in wickedness, for the 
church in general, and for those in particular 
with whom he was m-ore im.mediately connect- 
ed in Christian fellov*'&hip. We bade him 
farewell; and when we left the house the last 
words we heard him say were, '* Glory to God !" 
I shall reckon this day among the happiest and 
most profitable of my whole life. 

'• My life, O Lord, I would anew devote to thee. 
And in thy service spend a long eternity." 

21st. What surprising doctrinal errors are 
propagated in these days ! On Saturday I visit- 
ed sister White, a young convert, who inform- 
ed me that she had just attended a conference 
meeting conducted by the Rev. Mr. Weeks, 
and that in the course of his observations he said, 
that he wondered how the sinner dared to ask 



120 MEMOIR OF LUCY PaCHARDS. 

the Christian to pray for him ; that he thought 
it highly presumptuous ; that God's perfections 
would be as much glorified in his damnation as 
salvation ; and, that the Christian woidd be as 
likely to pray him to hell as to heaven! It 
seems to me that a theory more directly adapt- 
ed to ruin souls could hardly be devised. 

23d. Visited brother Smith again, and found 
him happy in God. Though suffering in body, 
he has the victory over death, hell, and the 
grave. He said these vv^ere his happiest days, 
and that he had never before enjoyed such 
spiritual blessings as since our last meeting. It 
was really animating to hear him, though Avith 
a feeble voice, say, "Not my will, but thine, 
God, be done!" while his countenance seemed 
to reflect the glory of God. I have no doubt 
that he is wholly sanctified, and made meet to 
be a partaker of the inheritance of the saints in 
light. He continued in the same happy frame 
till the 7th of July, when he went to join the 
com.pany who minister before the throne of 
light. How desirable to die the death of the 
righteous ! May I so live that my last end may 
be like his ! Brother Z. Paddock, of Utica, 
preached at his funeral on Sunday the 9th, to a 
large, attentive, and deeply affected congrega- 
tion, after which he was interred in a plat of 
ground previously selected by himself for that 
purpose from his own farm. 



MEMOIH OF LUCY RICHARDS. 121 



CHAPTER XI. 

JOURNEYS SICKNESS RETURNING HEALTH — MISCELLA- 
NEOUS REFLECTIONS, EXERCISES, AND INCIDENTS. 

Monday, July ITtli, I went with two of my 
cousins on a visit to Sullivan and Fenner, 
v/here we spent nearly a week. While here I 
found it rather difficult always to obtain a closet 
at my stated hours of prayer ; but I did not for- 
get the Lord, nor did he forsake me. No ; 
glory to his holy name, my soul was kept in 
perfect peace. I found cousin Eliza's health 
much impaired, and ^vas glad she Vv^as not 
wholly insensible of her lost condition. She 
told me she read the Bible every day, but dare 
not pray. When I tried to persuade her to 
*' seek that she might find," she said she was 
afraid to promise lest she should not perfonn, 
how many different w^ays has Satan to en= 
snare precious souls ! (vSee the last part of 
chapter viii.) 

On Wednesday w^e went to see the falls of 
Chittenango Creek, in Fenner. The scene 
was truly grand. One could scarcely look up- 
on the foaming waters, dashing with restless 
fury over the craggy rocks, and tumbling into 
the frightful chasm below% without exclaiming, 
'* Great and marvellous are thy w^orks, Lord 
God Almighty !" Surely atheism must be blind 
to the world of wonders in which w^e live. My 
cousin pointed out to me a lad, who, a few days 



122 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

before, accidentally fell about eighty feet down 
the precipice, and crawled back again without 
being seriously injured ! 

23d. At home and able to attend the morn- 
ing service. In class meeting we had a com- 
fortable time ; and though I felt that afflictions 
awaited me, my soul was happy in God. I told 
the brethren, that should I be called to pass 
through the valley and shadow of death, I fear- 
ed no evil ; for I believed God would guide me 
safely through. O religion, thou precious balm! 

July 27th. Considerable oppression on my 
lungs — sent for a physician — and, for the first 
time, allowed a vein to be opened. This afford- 
ed me some relief; yet fearful apprehensions 
were entertained that I should have the dropsy. 
To me this was indeed a very trying thought ; 
for i had previously concluded that the con- 
sum-ption would terminate my days : but when 
I reflected that I v/as no better than other hu- 
man beings who had fallen victims to death in 
this way ; that my heavenly Father knew what 
Avas best; and that his grace would be sufii- 
cient for me, I found it easy to submit to the 
divine arrangements. It really seemed to me 
that my afflictions were traceable to the same 
agency as in the case of Job ; for as I lay ru- 
minating on the subject, Satan appeared to my 
imagination as standing a little to my left and 
conversing with a person on my right, who 
seemed to be my only advocate. The former 
said to the latter, '' I know she has been patient 
and resigned under former afflictions, but touch 



MEMOIR OF LL:CY RICHARDS. 123 

her in a different manner, and she will murmur 
and complain." The latter said, " Try her, 
and see." I was now fully conscious that I 
should be called to pass through great bodily 
afflictions ; but whether it would be unto death 
or not, did not in the least concern or trouble 
me : for I felt an unshaken confidence in God. 
And now with tears of gratitude would I record, 
that amidst all, he was indeed my " sun and 
shield." 

Sunday, Aug. 13th. I have never before 
been called to suffer as much in one week, as 
during the last. My father cam.e into the room 
at the close of the meeting, and after some con- 
versation respecting the probability of my re- 
covery, asked me if I were ready to go ; adding, 
*' It is a great thing to die." I told him I 
thought I was, and that if I were called that 
night, I had no doubt it would be well with me. 
Though I had a deep sense of my unworthi- 
ness, yet I fidly believed that God, for Christ's 
sake, had forgiven the '' iniquity of my sin," and 
prepared me for a place in his heavenly king- 
dom : consequently, I was not afraid to die. 

18th. My disorder increases, and I have no 
idea of being restored ; but the prospect of 
death is pleasant. My sister E. kindly came 
home to assist me in dividing my things, as a 
small part of my preparation for leaving the 
world. It seemed like a great task to confine 
my mind to matters of this sort ; and having 
exhausted a particular kind of alleviating medi- 
cine, I was quite sensible that, without the 



124 BIEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

supporting grace of God, I could not go through 
with the fatigues of the day. For this, there- 
fore, I prayed, and the Lord imparted all I 
could desire ; so that had I been called at 
evening I could, with St, Paul, have most 
cheerfully said, "lam now ready to be offered." 

26th. A little more comfortable, and some of 
my symptoms rather more favourable. Brother 
Harmon stayed with us last night. After a lit- 
tle conversation, he prayed most fervently for 
my recovery ; that my disorder might be speed- 
ily checked, and that I might be restored to the 
family. As far as I could discern, I thought I 
had never heard a prayer that appeared more 
consistent with the will and word of God ; and 
yet there seemed so little ground for the exer- 
cise of faith that I saw^ not how to believe. 

29th. Symptoms still more favourable, though 
it seems hardly possible for me to recover. 
My brethren, however, do not give me up, but 
think I shall yet be partially restored. No- 
thing affects me so much as their friendly 
prayer and sympathetic tears. If I have the 
least desire to remain on earth, it is that I may 
encourage my Christian friends, and otherwise 
be instrumental in doing good. In my view, 
the world lost its charms years since. My 
relatives and friends, however dear to me, have 
by no means the highest seat in my affections. 
Jesus, the Saviour of sinners, is enthroned 
there. He is my all. How often has he 
soothed my mind and comforted me upon the 
bed of languishing ! I would be with him and 



MEMOIR OF LUCV RICHARDS. 125 

behold his glory. A few days since, after con- 
versing with several young friends, and while 
they were yet sitting round the room, I had 
such a prospect of '' being for ever with the 
Lord," and of sharing the felicities of the hea- 
venly world, that I was almost utterly over- 
whelmed by the soul-inspiring vision. 

Sept. 2d. As I was sitting up this evening to 
have my bed made, I took the Bible and opened 
at the one hundred and third Psalm, third verse, 
" Who forgiveth all thine iniquities ; who heal- 
eth all thy diseases," Sic. I thought. What can 
this mean ? I know that all ray " iniquities" 
are " forgiven ;" but all my *' diseases" are not 
'' healed." Will they be healed ? Shall I be 
restored ? My physician not only speaks more 
encouragingly, but there is an evident abatement 
in the violence of my disease. This favourable 
change I cannot but regard as having occurred 
in answer to prayer. Had my brethren let go 
their hold on the divine promises, had they 
ceased to intercede for me, I should, in all pro- 
bability, h^ve been called hence ere this. If I 
am still spared. Lord, I would be thine — wholly 
thine. 

'* And if so poor a worm as I 

May to thy great glory live, 
All rny actions sanctify 

All my words and thoughts receive : 
Claim me for thy service, claim 
All I have, and all I am !" 

Sept. 9th. Yesterday and to-day we have had 
no company. The time has. however, passed 



126 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

away very pleasantly in meditation and prayer; 
and my soul is exceedingly happy in God. In 
tlie evening brother Allen preached at our 
house, and I once more had the inexpressible 
privilege of hearing the gospel. O that I may 
profit by every means of grace with which I am 
indulged ! Several came into my room, some 
of whom were unconverted : these just looked 
at me, and then at one another, and silently 
withdrew. O how I longed for their salvation ! 
Sister B. still weeps over me ; but my soul re- 
joices. God is love. My evidence of accept- 
ance with him is as clear as the noon-day sun. 
All I want, is to be like him. When the com- 
pany retired I w^as much fatigued, but soon 
found refreshment in 

" Tired nature's sweet restorer, balmy sleep. '^ 

19th. The venerable Bishop George stayed 
with us last night, and gave us a most pleasing 
account of the work of God among the Indians 
of Upper Canada. The religion of Christ has 
indeed made them nev.^ creatures. They are 
abandoning their filthy, vicious, and indolent 
habits, and bringing forth the fruits of civiliza- 
tion and righteousness. For my encouragement 
the bishop told me the plan that he adopted 
when sick : " First," said he, " I give up every 
thing, get my heart right into heaven, and my 
soul happy in God. And then I sing, and 
shout, and pray, and preach, till sometimes the 
people think I am going crazy. But I know 
what T am about~I am going to heaven !" His 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 127 

appropriate and highly animated communica- 
tions were singularly edifying and comforting. 
Though my general health is improving, I 
have, during the last two days, had a distress- 
ing pain in my face and neck. Last night it 
was very severe. When I attempted to pray I 
could not keep my thoughts collected. AH was 
pain and distraction. And now, " the enemy 
came in like a fiood." He suggested that I had 
professed to be as willing to suffer as to enjoy; 
and now because I could get no rest, I was 
disposed to pray that the pain might be remov- 
ed ! What glaring inconsistency ! I, however, 
met the enemy by saying, " It is my duty to use 
the means, whether it be prayer or some thing 
else ; and when I have done this, it is then my 
duty to be patient and resigned under all the 
pain that God may see best to inflict." But w^hen 
I arose in my bed, and began to pray, he told 
me I was presumptuous, and that such was my 
weakness I should not get over the effort in 
several days. I resolved, however, to try the 
strength of prayer ; and the more I prayed the 
more collected my thoughts became, and the 
greater was my freedom from bodily suffering. 
Finally the enemy fled, my disordered system 
became quiet, and I laid me down and slept in 
peace ! To some this may seem a very trivial 
occurrence. Be it so, and what then ? Is it 
not a proof, that God hears and answers pray- 
er ? If the very hairs of our head are all num- 
bered, is it unreasonable to presume that our 
heavenly Father will interpose for the relief 



128 METrlOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

of an individual, however humble, as well as 
for the deliverance of kingdoms and empires ? 
*^ Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not 
all his benefits !" 

Sept. 22d. Seventeen years ago this day God 
for Christ's sake pardoned my sins. I have 
been taking a solemn review of my past life, 
and of the mercy shown to me, a poor, fallen, 
depraved sinner. While I have much cause 
for humiliation before God, I am constrained 
to bless him for all his goodness. How innu- 
merable and invaUiable his gifts ! My heart 
melts at the remembrance of them. He bore 
\vith my evil manners almost seventeen years. 
When I repented, he pardoned me, and made 
me a child of his. Ought I not, then, to bless 
him ? But this is not ail : for seventeen years 
he has kept me from falling ; so that I have 
never lived a day without prayer, esteeming 
religion my chief good, however small my pro- 
ficiency therein ; and, though surrounded with 
infirmities and afflictions, I continue to witness 
that *' God is love." In the most trying hour 
his grace has hitherto been sufficient. Ah, 
yes, how many times have I been put into the 
furnace ; and now, having passed through the 
fire unharmed, let me give glory to my Almighty 
Deliverer! Hold out, then, my soul, a little 
longer. Bear patiently a few more pains and 
conflicts, and thy warfare will be ended. Eter- 
nity, with all its glorious and blissful realities, 
will soon be disclosed to thy view, and thou 
shall then wake up in the likeness of the adora- 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 129 

ble Redeemer. O, to be like him ! To see 
him as he is, all immortal, all divine ! What a 
transporting thought ! Who would not be a 
Christian ? Who would not be willing to suffer 
even for ages, were it required, in view of the 
unwasting, unchanging, increasing felicities of 
eternity ? Indeed, " the sufferings of the pre- 
sent time are not worthy to be compared with 
the glory which shall be revealed in us." 

October Sd. My health continues to improve 
slowly; so that yesterday I walked out into the 
door-yard. I have been sick ten weeks, confmed 
to the house eight, and to my bed, chiefly, five. 
And is not the hand of God in all this ? No 
doubt it is : I deeply realize it. 

To-day father West and his wife, brother 
Cooley and his wife, have been to see us ; and 
O, how many past occurrences did their visit 
bring to my recollection ! Yes, these are they, 
who, with my parents, mourned over the follies 
and vanities f)f my childhood and youth : and 
when in my distress I cried unto the Lord, 
they poured forth their supplications in my be- 
half with strong cries and tears unto Him that 
is able to save. God heard and answered, and 
they rejoiced greatly in my deliverance. No 
doubt, however, they '^ rejoiced v/ith trembling," 
lest I should fall from my steadfastness, as 
some prophesied I would : but though " faint," 
I am still "pursuing." Yes, and ''lam per- 
suaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, 
nor principalities, nor powers, nor things pre- 
sent, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, 
9 



130 ME?,IOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

nor any other creature, shall be able to sepa- 
rate me from the love of God which is in Christ 
Jesus." 

" Strong in the Lord of hosts, 
And in his mighty power ; 
Who in the strength of Jesus trusts 
Is more than conqueror." 

Oct. 13th. I got but little sleep last night, but 
my soul rejoices in prospect of that rest that 
remains to the people of God. Last evening 
some of our brethren and friends, who, in con- 
sequence of their removal, have been absent a 
long time, met at our house for prayer. The 
Lord be praised for all his mercies to us ! I do 
not expect to see them again till we meet be- 
fore the throne of God, — 

" Where we shall see, and hear, and know, 
All we desired or wish'd below ; 
And every power find sweet employ, 
In that eternal world of joy." 

Oct. 20th. What shall I render unto the Lord 
for all his blessings ? How are his mercies 
multiplied, " fast as the minutes gently roll !" 
My health has been so far restored that 1 have 
been able to walk to brother Cook's. It is the 
Lord's doing, and quite marvellous in my eyes ! 
Seventeen years ago to-day I joined the Me- 
thodist society in this place, and I rejoice that 
1 am still a member. I feel an increasing at- 
tachment to the people, as well as to the doc- 
trine and discipline of our church. Indeed, I 
am more and more convinced, every day, that 
if no other doctrine were preached, the Avorld 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 131 

v/ould soon be converted to God. Sinners 
would see the propriety of the gospel system, 
and, instead of disputing about creeds, or ex- 
cusing themselves on the ground of divine pre- 
destination, would hear with attention the glad 
news of salvation, repent with a godly sorrow 
for sin, believe with the heart unto righteous- 
ness, fear God and keep his commandments, 
and thus secure to themselves an interest in the 
kingdom of God. So would the earth be full 
of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters 
cover the sea. Lord, hasten it in its time ! Amen 
and amen ! 

29th. To-day, blessed be God, I have been 
able to meet my brethren in his sanctuary. In 
class I felt the quickening influences of the 
Holy Spirit, and rejoiced that I was again per- 
mitted to enjoy so great a privilege. Several 
have been added since I last attended meeting, 
and two gave in their names to-day. O that 
we may be helps to each other, endm-e to the 
end, and meet in heaven at last ! 

November 5th. Another precious season in the 
sanctuary of God. Surely '' a day in his courts 
is better than a thousand." This evening in 
secret prayer I was greatly blessed, and the cry 
of my heart was, " O Lord, revive thy work !" 
I feel the great necessity of being in a state of 
constant preparation to depart this life, fully 
conscious that "in such an hour as we think 
not, the Son of man cometh." Last night the 
Lord took one of our near neighbours, good old 
Mrs. Pierce, to himself. Her sufferings were 



132 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

great, but she endured tliem patiently, so that 
death to her was no unwelcome messenger. 

Dec. 17th. I heard brother Bowen preach 
on, " Why stand ye here all the day idle ?" 
The word was with power, and I felt much re- 
proved for having done so little for God and his 
precious cause. In the course of his remarks 
the preacher observed something like this :- — 
'' The worst and most trying affliction the child 
of God can have here, is worth more than all 
the pleasures of the wicked." Such having 
been my own views for years, I thanked God 
with an audible voice : and, O, what unuttera- 
ble sweetness filled my soul ! With great plea- 
sure and satisfaction I heard the word again in 
the evening. 

I have been able to attend two or three prayer 
meetings of late. At one of them we were so 
much disturbed by some of the sons of Belial, 
that our brethren thought best to have recourse 
to the law : two young men were fined five 
dollars each, and several others, on promising 
amendment, were dismissed. 

Dec. 22d. In consequence of my room under- 
going certain repairs, I have written very little 
during the last two or three weeks. The time 
has, however, passed away very pleasantly. 
My health continues to improve, and I have 
made some profitable visits. I spent a day 
with cousin Harriet S., who appears to be 
hastening to the grave with consumption : but 
she maintains her integrity, and holds fast her 
confidence in God. What an unspeakable 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 133 

consolation tliis to her pious and widowed 
mother ! 

When my room was completed, and my 
things put in order, I began to be seriously im- 
pressed that it was my duty to resume my pen. 
But the weather being rather cold, I excused 
myself, just as every sinner does when con- 
vinced of his duty: he means to repent, but 
takes his own time : thus I continued to defer 
what I ought to have done immediately. Be- 
sides, the cross of writing under the observation 
of the family rose like a huge mountain before 
me, while temptations came in like a flood. 
Not that I had any doubts respecting my duty, 
nor had I any intention of deferring it only for 
a very short time. But it appeared to me that 
should my parents question me on the subject 
of my writing, as very possibly they might, I 
could not muster confidence enough, so imper- 
fect had been my life, to tell them the exact 
nature of my employment. Indeed, rather than 
do this I thought I vrould be willing to be con- 
lined to my room, if I could make such entries 
in my journals as I wished Avithout their know- 
ledge. What surprising indiscretion ! A little 
past noon, the same day, I was violently seized 
v;ith the prevailing epidemic ; so that for three 
weeks I have not been able to leave my room, 
or scarcely to make the least addition to my 
manuscript. This affliction has been a deep 
lesson of instruction to me, and I hope by the 
grace of God to learn wisdom from the things 
I have suffered. Though I have deserved his 



134 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

frowns, the Lord is still good to me. It may 
be called superstition, but I am fully impressed 
that had I obeyed the monitions of the Holy 
Spirit I should have been spared this tedious 
fit of sickness ; yet 

*' Pardon'd for all that I have done ! 
My mouth as in the dust I hide ; 
And glory give to God alone, — 
My God for ever pacified." 

O when I look at self and sin, I cannot but 
admire the wonderful condescension of my 
adorable Redeemer ! He, indeed, is not willing 
that any should perish, but that all should come 
to the knowledge of the truth, and be saved. 
How often have I heard his voice, saying, in 
distinct and gracious accents, "This is the 
way; walk ye in it !" Still he whispers "peace" 
to my troubled soul, and permits me to antici- 
pate the day when I shall be delivered from 
every clog and hinderance. Then, blessed be 
God, disease shall no longer prey upon " this 
frail frame, — this child of dust ;" but " all im- 
mortal," I shall be for ever with the Lord. 
Rejoice, then, O my soul, amidst all thy suffer- 
ings and trials. A little longer, and it will not 
be said, " Arise, and bear thy cross and follow 
me ;" but, "It is enough, enter thou into the joy 
of thy Lord." The prospect brightens ; faith 
looks through the vista, and descries the hea- 
venly city, the home of the way-worn wander- 
er! I shall soon be there. 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 135 

^' Courage, my soul, on God rely, 
Deliv'rance soon will come ; 
A thousand ways has Providence 
To bring believers home." 

January 19th, 1827. I have been more unwell 
for a few days past, but feel no disposition to 
complain. Indeed, I sometimes wonder that 
the Lord deals so kindly with me. After 
many prayers and tears I have ventured to open 
my burdened mind to ray father on the subject 
of my diary, and have found much relief. What 
an invaluable blessing is parental instruction, 
when seasoned with grace ! So highly do I 
esteem this precious gift, bestowed by Heaven, 
that I know not how to find language with 
which to express my sense of gratitude ; and 
can only say, " Bless the Lord, O my soul !" 
May the Lord help me to profit by every mercy, 
and to learn humility from every chastise- 
ment ! 

A short time since, being asked by my mother 
what I would have to eat ? I replied, " Why do 
you always ask me that question? Bring me 
w^hat you think proper, and nothing further is 
necessary." But this morning my sister brought 
me what I judged improper in my present state 
to receive. My mother soon brought me some 
toast, and I could not help, now and then, drop- 
ping a tear of gratitude, when I reflected upon 
the kindness of my friends. I am sick so 
much, I was led to wonder that they have so 
much patience with me, though I do not mean to 
be difficult, or make any more trouble than is 



136 MLMOJR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

Strictly necessary. O that they may be blessed 
with " a hundred-fold in this world, and in the 
world to come with life everlasting !" 

Feb. 4th. My bodily strength increases slowly, 
while my spiritual strength is renewed day by 
day. I feel much inward peace and joy, and 
find much pleasure in meditating on the doctrine 
of Christian holiness. The Lord often favours 
me with his quickening Spirit in secret prayer; 
and, of late, I have felt my heart more drawn 
out for the conversion of sinners in this place 
than for some time before. INIy parents are 
now at meeting, and my sisters have gone on a 
journey ; so that I am left quite alone to-day. 
But Christ is with me ; and surely this is " so- 
litude sweetened." 

'• My constant companion ; 
O may we ne'er part ! 
All glory to Jesus — 

He dwells in my heart !" 

5th. When my parents returned from meet- 
ing, they told me that a young man stayed in 
class who appeared resolved to seek religion. 
Recollecting the exercises I had for him the 
night before, though wholly ignorant of the 
state of his mind, I could not refrain from tears. 

9th. Blessed be God, the young man named 
above has passed from death unto life. Though 
more than a mile from him, I was engaged in 
secret prayer for his salvation ; and from the 
best calculation I can make, it was at the very 
time of my intercession that God spoke peace 
to hi>s soul ! May I be encouraged to be not 



ME3I0IR Ox^ LUCY RICHARDS. 137 

only " instant," hut earnest '• in prayer." Last 
evening the youno- man in question went to 
meeting, and publicly acknowledged what God 
had done for him ; so that when my father re- 
turned, he said, " D. is happy in the Saviour." 
O that this may be only as a drop before a 
plentiful shower ! Sometimes I think I have 
faith to believe that it will be so : at other 
times I am less confident ; but still cannot give 
it up wholly. Souls are infinitely precious, 
and I am resolved to continue interceding till 
the day-star from on high visit us. Lord, help 
me ! 

20th. Last night a very melancholy casual- 
ty occurred. The house of INIr. Staunton 
caught fire, and he, returning to get something 
out, perished in the flames ! Three females 
barely escaped with their night clothes ; and, 
after drawing water some time, to extinguish 
the flames, and finding their efforts fruitless, 
walked nearly half a mile through the storm 
and snow to the nearest neighbours ! Though 
they were so badly frozen as to render their 
recovery doubtful, they have since been re- 
stored to their wonted health. 

24th. Dear cousin Harriet is no more. The 
hearse has just passed with her lifeless remains, 
followed by a numerous train of relatives and 
friends. She held fast her faith firm and un- 
shaken, from the day of her conversion to the 
moment of her death ; and, except in one in- 
stance, when confused by the puzzling interro- 
gatories of the Rev. Mr. , her sky was 



138 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

imcloiided ; and even then the reading of a sin- 
gle chapter from the precious Bible cleared up 
her spiritual horizon. On the morning of her 
death she was asked if she did not think she 
was dying ? She said she did not know. And 
when her mother told her it was thought she 
was, she looked very pleasantly, and said, 
^' Well, I don't know but I may as well go this 
morning as at any time." About two o'clock, 
P. M., she sweetly passed away, in the nine- 
teenth year of her age. Little did I think last 
autumn she would be taken first ; but the Lord 
knows what is best. She was doubtless ripe 
for glory, and at the most suitable time God 
took her to himself. As for myself, I feel that 
my work is not fully done : I must work a little 
longer ; and I expect to see sinners awakened 
and converted in this place before I am called 
hence. 

28th. Have enjoyed my mind remarkably 
Avell for a few days past, and my health also. 
I have been able to read a little, write some, 
and wrestle fervently in private prayer ; and 
have obtained many blessings. But to-day I 
have found but little comfort in either, being 
often tempted to think I am foolish in writing 
so much. I can, however, appeal to the 
Searcher of hearts for my sincerity ; never 
having been influenced by any one. The 
praise or the dispraise of the world is nothing 
to me ; I act solely from a conviction of duty. 
Did I think God would be equally pleased, I 
would drop my pen and use what little strength 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 139 

I have ill some other employment. But this, 
with my present light, I dare not do. God of 
wisdom, guide my erring footsteps ! 

March 17th. I am not in the least discouraged 
in trying to serve God, nor in praying for a 
revival of his work, though as yet there seems 
to be but little to encourage faith. Satan ap- 
pears to reign in this place, and the enemies 
of the cross to triumph. A v/eek ago last Sun-^ 
day evening a man disturbed the prayer meet- 
ing, and was yesterday taken before the magis- 
trate. But though several substantial witnesses 
appeared against him, the justice cleared him, 
because, forsooth, they did not know that his 
motives were evil! I really want. to see my 
brethren, to encourage them to stand fast ; for it 
does appear to me that the triumphing of the 
wicked will be short. 

22d. It is four years to-day since my brother 
J. died. Little did I then think I should so 
long survive him. But so it is, and I bless God 
for it. I am still exposed to " the fiery darts" 
of the enemy, and encompassed with many 
trials, though not for a single moment forsaken 
of my God. No : I feel an unusual attachment 
to his cause and people ; and though for months 
I have enjoyed little of their society, yet I trust 
I am preparing to meet them, in glory. 

Last evening my sister E. w^as married to 
Mr. Irish. After the ceremony, brother Har- 
mon read to them an address* I had previously 

* The address was published, soon ■ after, in the Chris- 
tian Advocate and JournaL— Ed. 



140 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

written for the occasion ; — an address that had 
cost me many tears and several wakeful hours. 
But after I had delivered it to brother H., and 
retired for meditation and prayer, I was singu- 
larly blessed of God ; and am still kept in per- 
fect peace. I should indeed be glad if I could 
do a little good while I live ; and my constant 
prayer to God is, that he would direct and 
keep me in the way where I shall be most use- 
ful. O God, thou knowest that my strength is 
weakness and my wisdom folly ; therefore ex- 
tend to me thy guiding and supporting hand ! 

Sunday, April 8th. Blessed be God for the 
inestimable privilege of meeting my brethren 
in the place, of worship! Sixteen weeks con- 
finement has not weaned my affections from 
him or his dear people. Brother Harmon 
preached on Rom. vi^ 23, " But now being 
made free from sin," &c. What a privilege for 
the people of God ! O, that we may assert our 
rights and maintain our lofty distinction ! We 
had a good time in class, though I think I have 
seldom seen religion at so low an ebb in our 
place. Of this the brethren seem to be pain- 
fully sensible, and resolve to pray for the revi- 
val of it. O that we may indeed " have our 
fruit unto holiness," that " the end" may be 
" everlasting life !" 

22 d. Heard brother Allen preach from 2 
Chron. iii, 3 : " Now these are the things 
wherein Solomon was instructed for the build- 
ing of the house. of God." After giving a his- 
torical account of this magnificent building, he 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 141 

proceeded to remark, that the glory of that 
house, however greaj;, was nothmg when com- 
pared with the glory of that '• house not made 
with hands, eternal in the heavens." Trans- 
porting thought ! Is it possible that / shall ever 
become one of its inmates ? Surely if so un- 
worthy a creature may hope to get there — and 
I believe I shall — none need despair who will 
seek an interest in Christ. But it is '• grace" 
that " reio^ns throuo^h ricrhteousness unto eter- 
nal life." Yes, the last stone in the spiritual 
edifice is to '' be brought forth with shoutings 
of grace, grace unto it." 

April 30th. I was taken very ill on the 25th 
instant, and though bleeding and blistering 
have afforded me some relief, still my fever is 
very high, and I breathe with great difficulty. 
Not long after I was taken, as I lay upon my 
bed, thinking, as did my friends, that this was 
my last sickness, it occurred to me that I had 
often prayed God to direct me in the way and 
keep me in the place where I should be the 
most useful. Immediately this inquiry arose 
in my mind, How can I be useful noio, unless it 
be by exemplary patience under my afflictions, 
and by encouraging my Christian friends, when 
they come to see me, '• to stand fast in the 
liberty wherewith Christ hath made them free." 
I am not able even to write a word, and it is a 
matter of doubt when I shall attempt it again. 
Dear cousin Eliza writes me thus : 

" ' I read, and work, and think — what then I 
I read, and work, and — think again.' 



142 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

Thus I live. I see no new faces, nor do I wish 
to ; but the countenance of an old friend is always 
agreeable. A letter, too, is very welcome, and I 
receive none with greater pleasure than yours." 
This led me to contrast my situation with hers ; 
and if the expression be allowable, I would say, 
^' The goodness of the Lord passed before me f 
bringing into grateful remembrance the social, 
domestic, and religious privileges I have been 
permitted to enjoy. I thought of the great 
kindness of my friends in waiting upon me in 
the time of sickness, and of the somewhat sin= 
gular circumstance, that my little pecuniary re- 
sources should hold out like the widow's cruise 
of oil ; so that I have always had enough to 
pay my physician, and to give something for 
the support of the blessed gospel, as v/ell as to 
procure any little article of comfort demanded 
by my peculiar circumstances. x\nd yet ray 
means are not exhausted I A plan of useful- 
ness was immediately suggested to my mind. 
I thought, I will take a little of what I have, 
and when my friends come to see me, I will 
ask them to give a little, and thus I shall obtain 
enough to procure the Christian Advocate and 
Journal for Eliza ; and the variety which it con- 
tains may do more good than I could were I to 
live and write an age : and then there are three 
families that may possibly be benefited by the 
perusal. Accordingly I set about the work, 
and before night I had twelve shillings deposit- 
ed in my little treasury. Not long after my 
brother W., who is not a professor of religion, 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 143 

came to see me. When lie inquired respect- 
ing my health, I told him I thought I should 
not live long, and asked him if I might expect 
to meet him in heaven. Tears gushed from 
his eyes, and a stream issued from my own. 
Though he knew nothing of the above plan, he 
gave me a small sum, and said that but for a 
payment he had to make he would give me 
more. I thanked him, and told him I had 
all I needed. How true are the w^ords of the 
wise man : "He that hath pity upon the poor 
iendeth unto the Lord ; and that which he hath 
given wdll he pay him again!" I soon obtained 
enough to procure- the paper, and to pay the 
postage ; some twelve or thirteen contributing 
from four to fifty cents each. And should 
cousin E., or any other person, receive any 
benefit from the perusal of so valuable a paper, 
I hope they will give God the praise for em- 
ploying so feeble an instrument. 

May 8th. Much more comfortable in health 
than I was a week since. For two nights I 
have rested quietly, and have been able to set 
up considerably this afternoon. How myste- 
rious are the wa^vs of Providence toward me, 
and yet how just and kind! They lead me to 
much self-examination and prayer ; and I do 
really feel that I love God with all my heart. 
O how I long that my dear brethren and sisters 
may feel the importance of so loving him ; and 
what an anxiety I feel for the salvation of poor 
sinners around me, and especially my brother 
William and his dear companion ! The burden 



144 MEIvIOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS, 

of my prayer, like that of the prophet Habak- 
kuk, is, " O Lord, revive tliy v^^ork!" We have 
had some dear friends to visit us from the state 
of Ohio — old soldiers of the cross — and it was 
really pleasing as well as encouraging to hear 
them tell of the battles they had fought and the 
victories they had won "through the dear 
might of Him who walketh the wave." But 
they are gone, and we shall probably see them 
no more till we meet in heaven. 

" O happy, happy place, 

Where saints and angels meet ; 
There we shall see each other's face ; 
And all our brethren greet." 

May 20th. My health has improved slowly 
every day till yesterday : the night before I 
got very little rest. But I found it sweet to 
meditate on that rest that remains to the peo- 
ple of God. I rejoice that Satan does not have 
dominion over me, and that I am not under the 
law, but under grace. O what a sweet word — 
" grace!" 

25th. To-day I walked into the garden. 
What a praise-inspiring season, when all nature 
is in bloom ! I, however, shall not attempt to 
describe it: all I can do is to love and admire 
the Author. In consequence of the local preach- 
ers' conference setting here, we have had the 
opportunity of seeing several of the travelling 
preachers. Our old and valued friend, brother 
Giles, gave us a very pleasing account of the 
work of God among his people at the New- 
York Mills station, and a very affecting history 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS- 145 

of the death of a local preacher b3v^ the name of 
Mushpratt, who, by having his hand caught in 
the machinery of a cotton factory, had his arm 
completely severed from his body ! He lived 
only a few hours, but died in peace. Brother 
P. I did not expect to see ; but we had a 
pleasant little interview ; and when he address- 
ed the throne of grace on our behalf, I believe 
every one present felt what the disciples did 
when Jesus said, '' My peace I give unto you ; 
my peace I leave wdth you.''' 

Two weeks ago last evening we had preach- 
mg at our house, but I was too ill to leave my 
bed. Last evening 1 was able to sit up and 
hear father Nev/man* preach from Psa. xxiii, 4, 

* The Rev. Jonathan Newman, by many regarded as 
'' the apostle of Methodism'' to a large portion of the 
now Oneida Conference. Certain it is, that few others in 
these parts have formed more circuits and societies, or 
have been instrnmental in leading more souls to the Sa- 
viour. His early advantages were inconsiderable, and his 
language often coarse and ungrammatical, and yet his im- 
passioned manner, joined to a kind of native eloquence, 
rendered him exceedingly popular with those who found 
their way into this wilderness at that early day. Vast 
crowds, considering the sparseness of the population, every- 
where assembled to hear him. With an ever bm-ning 
zeal, and with the most indomitable perseverance, he 
traversed trackless wilds, forded streams, was exposed to 
frosts and rains, slept in huts and hovels, lived on the 
coarsest fare ; in a word, suffered almost every thing but 
downright martyrdom — and all, it is believed, to save souls 
from death and hell. He had his faults, and yet so many 
excellences, that many generations will probably pass 
away before his name will be forgotten. He was gathered 
to his fathers a few vears since. — Ed. 
10 



146 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

" Thougli I walk through the valley and shadow 
of death I will fear no evil," &€. It was a 
very comforting time to my soul, as I believe it 
was also to others. Brother A. followed with 
a very lively exhortation, and I felt as though I 
could willingly sit another hour and hear the 
brethren speak of the wonders of redeeming 
love. 

27th. Brother Ferguson and daughter, from 
Dutchess county, have come to spend the sab- 
bath with us. The former belonged to the 
same society with my parents more than thirty- 
jfive years ago, and he says he still loves the 
good old way. I listened with peculiar plea- 
sure to several anecdotes which they related 
respecting the early part of their pilgrimage, 
but was most of all pleased to hear them say, 
" God is still with us." When all had gone to 
the house of God, I prayed several times for a 
special blessing, but did not feel satisfied, and 
was often tempted to think I should not be as 
happy to-day as I frequently am when left 
alone. Fatigued, I laid me down, meditating 
on the blessings already bestowed, and " ere I 
was aware," the Spirit descended in overpow- 
ering effusions ; so that I was constrained to 
cry out, alone as I was, " Glory to God ! I have 
been blest, I am blest, and I shall be blest !" 
O the unutterable fulness I now felt in a Sa- 
viour's love ! Praise thou the Lord, O my 
soul! 

June 25th. I have lived to collect my imper- 
fect memoranda together, something in the form 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 147 

of a journal, for wliich I feel iinfeignedly 
thankful to God, being satisfied in my conscience 
that so far / have done my duty. My health 
continues to improve ; so that I was able yes- 
terday to meet with the people of God in the 
house of worship, and found it a precious sea- 
son to my soul. In prayer meeting the scene 
^vas to me deeply solemn and affecting, and 
especially when I noticed every eye fixed on 
me as one snatched from the very brink of the 
grave. A soul redeemed demands a life of 
praise ; and especially from one who has so 
many times been rescued, when, to all human 
appearance, death was inevitable. But, after 
all, I am an unprofitable servant ! And yet I feel 
that I have near access to the throne of grace, 
and think I have faith to believe that God 
w411 revive his work among us. '' I do believe ; 
Lord, help thou mine unbelief." 

Sunday, July 28th. In consequence of my pa- 
rents attending the camp meeting at Rome, I 
have no way to get to meeting this morning. 
But the Lord deals with me in great mercy, 
and I have had a time of refreshing in waiting 
upon him. O for more of that divine influence 
which quickens the soul into a holy flame ! 

" My soul shall then, hke thine. 
Abhor the thing unclean ; 
And, sanctified by grace divine. 
For ever cease from sin !"' 

In the evening the young people assembled at 
our house for prayer meeting, and it was a time 
of great peace and comfort to our souls. What 



148 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

a blessing ! deprived as I am of the privilege of 
going to the house of God, my brethren come 
and pray with and for me. O that we may all 
drink deeper and deeper into the spirit of 
holiness ! 



CHAPTER XII. 

JOURNAL CONTINUED SERtOUS EXERCISES R.E5PEGTING 

THE DUTY OF BECOMING A MISSIONARY SCHOOL TEACHER. 

July 29th, 1827. My brothers and sisters 
were all at home last evening,~and we had a very 
agreeable visit. It was to me highly gratifying 
to behold our aged parent at the close of our 
visit and of the day, though in feeble health, 
bowing before the King supreme, and craving 
a blessing upon us before we separated. My 
dear cousins, with whom I went to Sullivan 
last autumn, having made us a very pleasant 
visit, took their leave this morning. It was not 
till just before we parted that one of them (the 
doctor) answered the questions I had some time 
before proposed to him in writing, namely ; 
'* Have you regenerating grace ? Are you living 
up to your privilege ? Have you an abiding 
evidence of your acceptance with God?" And 
I am sorry to say^ his mind was too deeply in- 
volved in doubts and mysteries to answer in 
the affirmative. God of truth and love, shine at 
once upon his mind and heart ! 

I have felt both quickened and reproved un- 
der the preaching of the word by brother Wor- 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 149 

thing to-day, and I hope God will yet revive 
his work among us. We had a very good 
prayer meeting in the afternoon, and appear- 
ances were decidedly more encouraging. 

Aug. 20th. Yesterday I w^ent to meeting, and 
it was rather an encouraging time. O that we 
all felt the importance of coming out from the 
spirit, and practice, and love of the world! 
How would religion then prosper among us ! I 
am afraid, however, there are but few steady 
travellers to Zion in this place : but my un- 
ceasing prayer is, that I may be one of the 
number ; so that after an honourable discharge 
from this state of trial, I may safely reach the 
hill of Zion. O welcome day ! O sweet re- 
lease ! O thrice blessed rest ! To be where 
God is, and share for ever the bliss of his 
heaven-inspiring smiles ! " My soul kindles at 
the thought." 

Brother and sister Higgins have been to see 
us, and last evening we had a most precious little 
family prayer meeting. When I consider the 
blessings I enjoy, my grateful soul inquires, 
" What shall I render unto the Lord for all his 
benefits ?" And if it be not that I render soul 
and body a living sacrifice to him really, I have 
not found out what it is. But with this I know 
he is well pleased ; and, since he alone is wor- 
thy of my undivided affections, I feel resolved 
from this hour to resign them unto him. 
Blessed Saviour, I w^ould be thine evermore ! 

Sept. 4th. My health has not been so good for 
eight months past as it is at present. Tester- 



150 MEMOIIl OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

day I not only sat np all day, but walked to a 
neighbour's and made a visit. Although I daily 
feel deep gratitude to my heavenly Father, I 
am afraid I do not live answerably to the mer- 
cies received. I would do a little for Him who 
has done so much for me. At times my mind 
is solemnly exercised respecting the duties that 
lie before me. 1 hope, however, so to trust in 
God and hang upon his promises as to be fully 
prepared to meet any event or call of his pro- 
vidence. 

23d. Health greatly improved. Brother and 
sister Worthing stayed with us last night : sis- 
ter W,, in particular, appears very zealous in the 
cause of Christ. We had a good class meetino- 
to-day, at which I felt that promise verified : 
" Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be 
comforted." I mourned that I had so little reli- 
gion, and was comforted with an increase. 

Oct. 8th. How astonishino^ is the oroodness 
of God to me, a frail worm of the dust ! Yes- 
terday forenoon I went to prayer meeting, and 
in the afternoon heard brother Coston, of the 
Ohio Conference, preach on Rom. vi, 21, 
*' What fruit had ye then in those things where- 
of ye are now ashamed?" &c. The discourse 
was strikingly applicable to the congregation, 
and I pray God that it may have its proper 
effect. I think I have made a little advance- 
ment in the Christian course the week past, and 
O that I may make still greater progress during 
the one already commenced ! 

Yesterday I finished reading Dr. A. Clarke's 



MEMOIR OF LUCV RICHARDS, 151 

Commentary on the Holy Bible, and it has been 
to me, in many instances at least, what he de- 
signed it should be to his readers, namely, " A 
help to a better understanding of the sacred 
writings." For this inestimable blessing I 
thank God ; but how much more remains to be 
learned ! I feel deeply sensible I have not 
made that improvement which I might, and 
hope I shall be more diligent in future. '* Search 
the Scriptures," is the direction of an infallible 
Teacher : and O that I may do it in a proper 
spirit, so that I may be guided into all truth ! I 
have also perused most of Messrs. Wesley and 
Fletcher's writings, and feel no hesitancy in 
saying, I am a Methodist. O that I may be 
" an Israelite indeed, in Vv'hom there is no 
guile !" 

r2th. I experimentally prove that 

'• Labour is rest, and pain is sweet, 
When tliou, my God, art here."' 

Although I am not entirely free from pain, yet 
moderate exercise is exceedingly pleasant. I 
have this week performed the first day's work 
that I have attempted the present year, 1827. 
Often has my grateful heart adored the great 
Redeemer for his unparalleled mercies. I owe 
much of my present health, under divine Provi- 
dence, to early rising and the use of a few sim- 
ple remedies. But how my mind is exercised ! 
Are all these things mere imagination ? Or 
w^ll they indeed prove realities ? Can I not, 
ought I not to be as willing to give up all for 
the sake of Jesus, as I was when sick to leave 



152 MEMOIR or LUCY RICHARDS. 

all and go to liim ? But what have I done for 
him and his precious cause ? Far too little, if 
indeed I have done any thing at all. Should I 
recover my health I hope to be more exten- 
sively useful. But I must stop : my mind is 
depressed : O for grace ! Lord Jesus, do thou 
thi/self direct me, and then all will be well. 

15th. Yesterday I attended meeting at the 
Sauquoit church. We had a precious season in 
love-feast. The Lord is reviving his work in 
that place ; some have already been converted, 
and others are inquiring their way to Zion. 
Brother Parker preached a very good sermon 
on, " The redemption of their soul is precious," 
after which we had the privilege of approach- 
ing the table of the Lord. Blessed privilege 
indeed ! The old veterans of the cross mani- 
fested much joy in seeing me once more. I 
was much affected — returned home with a 
severe headache, and, much fatigued, retired 
early to rest. To-day I feel quite refreshed, 
soul and body, and think I have sustained no 
injury in consequence of attending the meeting, 

21st. I would bless God for the great privi- 
lege of meeting with his people to-day. Bro- 
ther Bowen preached on, " Wilt thou be made 
whole ?" He showed first our moral disease, 
and then the practicability of a perfect cure. 1 
rejoice in an inward testimony that I have been 
made free from the law of sin and death ; and 
now feel the Spirit of adoption, whereby I am 
enabled to cry, " Abba, Father." 

Sunday, Dec. 2d. The appearance of brother 



MEI\rOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 153 

Fairbank, as he entered the chapel to-day, af- 
fected me much; for in consequence of a white 
swelling in one of his limbs, he is obliged to 
go on crutches. His discourse from, '' The 
end of all things is at hand," was very solemn 
and impressive. Thank God, my treasure lies 
beyond perishable substances. In the evening 
brother Barnes preached on, " God be merciful 
to me, a sinner ;" but in consequence of a 
severe headache, I realized but little good. 
After we returned home, however, when bro- 
ther B. engaged most earnes-tly in prayer for 
us, my heart began to feel. O how tenderly 
did he entreat the Lord to be gracious to us, 
and especially my unconverted brother ; and 
how ardently did he pray for his own children, 
and those of brother F. ! Surely God wilfhear 
prayer. 

Dec. 12th, a day set apart by our state execu- 
tive for public thanksgiving. Brother B. was 
to preach on the occasion, and aid in the forma- 
tion of a missionary society: but he disappoint- 
ed us. As however I had engaged to do what 
I could toward promoting the last-named ob- 
ject, I read a little piece I had written on the 
subject of missions, which, I trust, was produc- 
tive of some good. After meeting, my brothers 
and sisters came home, so that we were once 
more all together under the paternal roof. 
We had several prayers before we parted, and 
closed the day in a spirit somewhat correspond- 
ing to the object for which it was set apart. 
Thanks be unto God for all his mercies ! 



154 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

20th. I went to see a young man who had 
been some time sinking under an incurable con- 
sumption. But how was I surprised on being 
met at the door by a friend, wdio said, " Russel 
is dead !" Monday he walked to the barn ; 
yesterday ate a hearty breakfast with his friends ; 
and before six o'clock in the evening he was a 
lifeless corpse ! We trust, however, he rests in 
peace. "What is your life? It is even a vapour 
that appeareth for a little time, and then van- 
isheth away." 

Sunday evening, Dec. 30th. I have been so 
afflicted of late, that for several days it has 
been with, the greatest difficulty I have walked 
from one room to another. But, I bless 
God, my soul has been filled with peace ; a 
sweet unutterable peace. How good the Lord 
is ! for while he afflicts with one hand, he 
upholds and comforts with the other : and how 
thankful I ought to be that I can use my pen ! 
While engaged in this delightful employment, 
writing letters to friends, or committing my 
thoughts on some religious subject to paper, 
hours of extreme pain have passed rapidly 
away, which might otherwise have hung heavi- 
ly upon my hands. O, if what I record in so 
imperfect a manner is rendered a blessing to 
my own soul, how^ can I do otherwise than 
breathe a tearful prayer, that into whose hands 
soever these pages may chance to fall, the 
same pleasure may be realized in reading them 
that has been felt by me in writing ! 

Jan. 2d, 1828. I bless God that I am spared 



MEMOIR OF I-rcV RICHARDS. 155 

to see the commencement of another year. 
Yesterday I had many solemn and profitable 
reflections, but much company forbade my 
noting them down. My bodily afflictions 
seem to increase; and yet I feel I have 
no occasion to complain : it might have been 
far worse with me than it is : therefore, " my 
heart shall rejoice, and sing aloud of mercy 
and judgment." Dear sister S. B. has been to 
see me : precious girl, how I love her, because 
she loves my Redeemer r Lord bless her, and 
prepare us to meet in heaven. 

18th. My afflictions continue to be very op- 
pressive. I have many restless hours, day and 
night, w^hich call for the exercise of every 
Christian grace. So imperfect am I by nature, 
and so prone to evil, that I am sometimes sorely 
tempted to fear my patience will not hold out. 
I have, therefore, earnestly besought the Lord 
that he would not leave me in this time of trial ; 
for, under circumstances like these, what can 
feeble flesh do without supporting grace 1 
Surely nothing but complain. I have hitherto 
been blessed with a measure of this grace ; and 
will my heavenly Father, after ha^dng \vrought 
out so many deliverances for me, now leave me 
to be overcome by the bufFetings of Satan ? 
No, he will not : and I rejoice to find upon 
close examination, that, notwithstanding all 
my imperfections, my confidence in the divine 
Redeemer remains unshaken. Yes, '' grace still 
reigns through righteousness ;" so that I am en- 
abled to "rejoice in hope of the glory of God." 



156 ME'MOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

Feb. 5th. Though my health is much better, 
I am still quite feeble. At different times, with- 
in the last three or four clays, I have experi- 
enced great depression of spirits ; owing, pro- 
bably, to nervous weakness. But to-day I am 
considerably relieved, soul and body; my mind 
is perfectly clear, and I have enjoyed much 
sweetness of spirit, as well as fellowship with 
God's dear children — deacon Wilmot and wife, 
from the Black River country, and aunt W. 
We had a refreshing season in prayer. 

10th. Have been to meeting this afternoon, 
and heard brother Worthing preach. How little 
do people in general realize the blessing of 
health till deprived of it ! I have been confined 
to the house a little more than five weeks, and 
it will be eight to-morrow since I attended our 
society meeting. Daily experience proves 
that the present is a state of trial, in which we 
are subject to intellectual no less than physical 
infirmities. But the humble and devout Chris- 
tian looks forward to the day when he shall be 
delivered from terrestrial incumbrances, from 
earthly passions, from bodily infirmities, — in a 
word, from all " the nameless ills that flesh is 
heir to ;" and when he will be introduced into 
the paradise of God, with a soul and body so 
refined that both will be ineffably happy. Glo- 
rious anticipation : With all my imperfections 
I cherish it. 

March 16th. My health has improved re- 
markably within the last ten days, and I have 
spent most of the time in visiting among my 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 157 

relatives and friends. I have made many 
agreeable visits, and some tliat were not so 
profitable. The reason of the unprofitableness 
I am satisfied was, I did not give sufficient 
prominence to the all-important subject of per- 
sonal, heart-felt religion. For this delinquency 
I have felt reproved as well by my conscience 
as the word of God; but have sought and found 
forgiveness ; and hope I shall never again be 
overtaken in a similar error. 

April 4th. Have just returned from my brother- 
m4aw's, where I have spent nearly two weeks. 
When I was dangerously sick a year ago last 
fall, my sister E. was sitting by me ; and 
knowing she was much fatigued, and at the 
same time wishing to obtain some little favour, I 
said to her, '* When I get well, and you are 
sick, I will wait upon yoitJ'' She smiled ; but 
through the providence of God this has literally 
taken place. She was taken ill on the last 
day of March, and with the greatest imagina- 
ble pleasure I have waited on her. How glad 
I am to return, even in the smallest measure, the 
kindness of my dear friends ! 

May 11th. Yesterday I had the great satis- 
faction of attending quarterly meeting at Sau- 
quoit, and of sitting with my old friends there 
in love-feast. I enjoyed great peace and com- 
fort, not a single cloud passing over my sky. 
Brother Barnes preached well, and I came home 
with a grateful heart. He also preached at 
our chapel, at five o'clock, on, " The end of all 
things is at hand ; be ye therefore sober, and 



158 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

watch unto prayer;" noticing, first, the declara- 
tion ; and, secondly, the exhortation. It was a 
profitable season to my soul. 

How am I blest temporally and spiritually ! 
I have not enjoyed as good health at this sea- 
son of the year for five or six years past as I 
now do; while my peace continues like the 
flowing stream. I am thankfid ; and though 
an unprofitable servant, hope my life has not 
been spared in vain. 

On Saturday last we held the first meeting of 
our female missionary society. This much 1 
can say, " Hitherto the Lord hath helped us." 
I have collected nearly twenty dollars for the 
Indian mission, and hope the Lord will con- 
tinue to give his people the true spirit of Chris- 
tian benevolence, so that the most ample pe- 
cuniary means may be furnished for the univer- 
sal spread of the blessed gospel of Christ. 

June 1st. Yesterday we had a sacramental 
occasion at good old father Addington's. He 
has lonoj been confined at home throuorh aoe 
and consequent infirmity, and has, of course, 
been deprived of this precious means of grace. 
It was indeed a refreshing season. Brother 
Worthing discoursed on Heb. i, 14, " Are they 
not all ministering spirits ?" &c. To-day I feel 
an increase of " faith, hope, and charity." My 
hope is indeed full of immortality; and I doubt 
not that, if I am faithful to God, I shall receive 
a crown of life. that health, strength, time, 
talents, — all I have, and all I am, may be devoted 
to the service of God henceforth and for ever! 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 159 

Aug. 20th, a little before sunset. Hark ! 
what is that I hear ? Ah, it is the bell of mor- 
tality : and has another fellow-mortal gone ? 
Yes, and a youth too, for the bell gives the 
number — seventeen. As w^e have heard of no 
one being sick, all is anxiety and inquiry. 
Whoever it is, he must have fallen suddenly a 
victim to the fatal archer. ******** 
Yes, tlie tidings have reached us, — dear sister 
Smith's son is no more ! He was threshing with 
horses upon a barn floor, and it is probable 
he received a blow from one of them which 
instantly deprived him of his existence ; for he 
was found a lifeless corpse. Sister Smith is in 
very feeble health : dear woman, how must she 
feel ! She left our house since twelve o'clock, 
and was going to the place where her son 
lived : having made her visit there, she return- 
ed home, little suspecting that Carlton lay dead 
in the barn ! May/' the Hope of Israel and the 
Saviour thereof in the tiuie of trouble" abun- 
dantly vouchsafe his supporting grace ! 

27th. A number of us went last evening to 
Dr. J.'s, with a view to take our leave of our 
good friends, father and mother Arnold and son. 
It was a season of great spiritual interest. The 
former part of the evening was spent in singing 
and prayer, and the latter in hearing the expe- 
rience of our reverend father. Truly it was 
good to be there : we wept and rejoiced at the 
loving kindness of Him w^ho is head over all 
things unto the church. What hath God wrought 
in the Methodist connection since this venera- 



160 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

ble man first became a travelling preacher 1 
Thousands, and even hundreds of thousands, 
have been brought to Christ ; and the glorious 
Avork still goes on. May it increase in geome- 
trical progression, till all the ends of the earth 
remember and turn unto the Lord ! 

vSept. lOtli. Have just returned from visit- 
ing my dear friends at New-York Mills and 
Utica, and can say, that, for the most part, it 
has been a profitable season to my soul. Not 
only in my closet, but when bowing with my 
friends at the family altar, have I felt the con- 
soling influences of the diviiie Comforter ; es- 
pecially at brother Giles's and BushnelPs, I 
have always found that my religious enjoyments 
are in exact proportion to my faith and obedi- 
ence, and that these very much depend on ha- 
bitual watchfulness and prayer. " Blessed is 
that servant whom, when the Lord cometh, he 
shall find so doing." 

Nov. 11th. Within the last few weeks my 
mind has been much exercised in regard to the 
missionary cause : indeed, it has been more or 
less so ever since I read a communication from 
the Rev. William Case, in the Christian Advo- 
cate and Journal of April 14, 1827, in which he 
gives a deeply interesting account of the work 
of God among the Rice Lake Indians. He 
concludes by saying, "Here is a vast field 
open for benevolent exertions, but where are 
the labourers ? Who will glory in the privilege 
of teaching the rising generation the knowledge 
of letters, of salvation, and of heaven ?" I said 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 161 

witliin myself, I would cheerfully do so had I 
health ; (being at that time barely able to walk 
from one room to another ;) but I have not, and 
probably never shall have. I immediately felt 
a check upon my mind, as if something said, 
*' Don't. say if I were able ; for it is not impos- 
sible but that God may restore you to health, 
in which case you will feel yourself obliged to 
go.'' I paused and thought, To be sure, it is 
not impossible, since '^ all things are possible 
with God ;" but it is not very probable. 

Soon after the above, being providentially di- 
rected to the use of certain simple medicines 
and nutritious drinks, my health began slowly, 
but very perceptibly, to improve. So that, after 
some weeks, I asked my sister one day to hand 
me her knitting ; (having given away my own, 
with other articles, expecting never to want it 
again ;) but I had scarcely taken the work in 
my hand before it powerfully occm*red to me, 
that I had promised to give myself to the poor 
pagans, if my health were restored. Being 
almost overwhelmed with the recollection, I 
paused a moment, and tremblingly said, " O 
Lord, thou knowest what is best for me : if thou 
hast a worK for me to do, thou wilt bless me 
with health and strength equal to its claims." 
I then dismissed the subject from my mind ; 
concluding not to trouble myself, at present, 
with a matter which appeared so much beyond 
my reach. Still these and kindred impressions 
followed me from time to time, as my health 
continued to improve, till much reflection 
11 



162 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

brought me in some measure to realize the im- 
portance of the work in prospect, as well as my 
own unfitness for it. These impressions so 
weighed down my spirits and affected my 
nerves, that, instead of gaining, I lost strength. 
I again cried to the Lord, if he had a work for 
me to do, to remove these distressing anxieties ; 
it being utterly impossible for me to get well 
under so great a mental burden. I had no 
sooner asked than it was done ; and for several 
weeks, though I felt anxious for the prosperity 
of the missionary cause, I was perfectly easy 
as to any personal duty. This very circum- 
stance gave rise to a new temptation ; for, 
thought I, if the call be from God, how is it pos- 
sible for me to feel so easy about it ? Thus I 
began to doubt whether the call were divine. 
One morning as I was sweeping the carpet, and 
thinking how much I had gained in health and 
strength, my former promise occurred to me 
with a force which language cannot describe ; 
when something seemed to say, " And now 
that you are so much restored, can you doubt 
the genuineness of the call ? You may make 
what preparations you can, for it will yet be- 
come your solemn duty to go." I took the 
nearest chair, sat down tremblingly, and could 
hardly refrain from bursting into tears. 

I had settled with my physicians, and was 
clear from debt ; but my means were exceed- 
ingly limited ; as I had not more than seven 
or eight dollars left. Under a conviction, how- 
ever, that God required me so to do, I began to 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 1G3 

make such preparations as I could, fully re- 
solved to follow the leadings of Providence. 

December 4th. A day set apart for thanks- 
giving and prayer. Dear brother Jones preached 
to us in his good old style ; I mean the spirit 
and style of the gospel. He reminded us of 
many things that transpired when he was on 
the circuit before, and earnestly exhorted us to 
look for the same blessings. O that every hin- 
derance may be removed, and the set time to 
favour Zion soon come ! 

As for myself, thouorh I feel I live too far be- 
neath my privileges, yet I have this day had 
strength from above to renew my covenant with 
God, and to look away from my unworthiness 
to Him that taketh away the sin of the w^orld. 
Yes, if I know my own heart, I still cherish an 
ardent desire both to know' and do the will of 
my heavenly Father. Whenever or wherever 
he may call, I hope cheerfully to obey; even 
though it should be to leave my dear relatives, 
and go among the savage tribes of the wilder- 
ness. 

February ISth, I have for nearly two weeks 
felt great depression of spirits, and am fully 
persuaded it is my duty to open my mind to one 
of the preachers on the subject of my recent 
impressions. But having had no opportunity to 
do this, I have been sorely tempted to neglect 
reading the word of God, and secret prayer, 
lest the light should shine so clearly, and the 
path of duty become so plain, that I could not 
misapprehend it ; and also to think that it would 



164 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS., 

involve so many and so great crosses that I conld 
not bear them. Hitherto, however, I have been 
kept from yielding to the tempter, and still feel 
a desire to know and do the wall of God. 

20th. To-day I have now and then had a 
gleam of hope that deliverance is at hand ; for 
the hymn beginning 

" Give to the winds thy fears ; 
Hope, and be undismay'd," 

has been almost constantly running through my 
mind. 

22d. Dear brother Jones is with us. While 
drinking tea, the subject of missions was casu- 
ally introduced, when brother J. asked me if I 
should like to go on a mission to the Sandwich 
Islands ? My mother replied, " She would 
much rather go to Canada." How she came 
to make this remark I cannot tell, unless it was 
because I had been somewhat active in forming 
a female missionary society, which specially 
contemplated aid to the Canada mission. Bro- 
ther Jones then asked me, if 1 thought I could 
live among the natives ? I told him, I did not 
know, but should try and see ! As soon as I 
had uttered these words, I was astonished that 
I had thus committed myself, but dared not 
apologize. The conversation soon took a dif- 
ferent turn, and there was no more said on the 
subject. I had often thought I would try to 
converse with my parents respecting it, but the 
cross was so heavy, my constitution so feeble, 
my sense of umvorthiness so great, and my in- 



MEMOIR or LUCY RICHARDS. 165 

adequacy to the duties involved presenting it- 
self in almost every possible point of view, I 
knew not how or where to begin. I now retired 
in secret, and with a broken heart besought the 
Lord to make my duty more fully known to me, 
and especially, if it were proper for me to con- 
verse with brother Jones, that he might ques- 
tion me in the presence of my parents respect- 
ing my exercises. One hour after another pass- 
ed away, until I was sorely tempted because I 
had thus exposed myself, and nothing further 
was said on the subject ; when, all of a sudden, 
brother Jones asked me, if I thought I could 
live as Miss Barnes* did ? I told him, I did 
not know what I could do ; and w^as then almost 
choked with irrepressible emotion. At first the 
cross was nearly insupportable ; but, recovering 
myself a little, I proceeded to state some of my 
past and present exercises. Brother Jones told 
me if the way opened, I must be careful and 
not disobey the heavenly mandate. This, with 
the conversation that followed, afforded me 
some relief for a little season. But, alas ! my 
distress soon returned : I could neither eat, nor 
sleep, nor work as formerly. I tried to pray, 
but my mind was beclouded, and a sort of im- 
penetrable gloom seemed to hang upon the fu- 
ture. Still it appeared to me that I ought to be 
preparing, as if the whole question were settled, 
and yet I knew not that the way would ever 

" Now the wife of the Rev. William Case, the intrepid 
and eminently successful missionary among the native 
tribes of Upper Canada. — Ed. 



166 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

open ! Why it was that I should feel thus dis- 
tressed, when I was willing the Lord should do 
what seemed him good, I could not tell. I, 
however, promised the Lord that L would ad- 
vance when the way opened, and when it was 
closed, stand still ; and thus found relief to my 
burdened mind. 

Some time in March I went to Utica on an 
errand connected with my proposed devotion to 
the cause of missions, which led to another trial 
of my faith ; for I took a violent cold, which 
settled upon my lungs, and caused considerable 
inflammation ; so that for tv/o or three weeks I 
was able to sit up but little. My dear father 
now took occasion to ask me, how I thought I 
could endure an expedition to Canada,* if I 
could not even go to Utica without being made 
sick ? Nor was I at all surprised at this ; for 
when I first opened my mind to him on the 
subject of going abroad, he said he could not 
think God would call one in my state to such a 
work. AYithout making any reply, I retired to 
my room, opened the book which I had so long 
found to be a light to my feet and a lamp to my 
path, and prayed for direction : that if I had 
been deceived in matters of so great import- 
ance, I might be undeceived : and if other- 
wise, that every remaining doubt might be re- 
moved from my mind. Upon opening the pre- 

* I never felt any particular conviction that it would be. 
my duty to go to Canada more than elsewhere,- but simply 
that I ought to hold myself in readiness to go wherever 
Providence might call me. — L. R. 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 167 

cious volume, my eye at once fell upon Psalm 
xviii, 43, — " Thou hast delivered me from the 
people : and thou hast made me the head of the 
heathen : a people whom I have not known 
shall serve me : the strangers shall submit 
themselves unto me." Suffused with tears, I 
said, "It is enough. Lord; I will do as thou 
hast commanded, and leave the event to thine 
unerring hand." From this time my health im- 
proved rapidly. 

April 18th. Have had another interview with 
brother .Tones respecting my past exercises and 
present feelings, and it is but just to say, that 
his fatherly instructions and brotherly attentions 
have greatly endeared him to my heart. He 
v>dll write to the superintendent of the Indian, 
missions on my behalf: but what will be re- 
quired of me I know not. The Lord has begun 
a ofood work among; the Cneidas, and I must 
wait the openings of his providence. My great- 
est care is, and I trust ever will be, how I shall 
best please and glorify my heavenly Father. It 
is not so much where I am, what I endure, or 
how much I suffer, as it is to know, and do the 
divine will. I feel, however, my utter inability 
to do this, without assisting grace. To the 
Giver of every good and perfect gift, therefore, 
I look in the fulness of mv soul. 



168 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

GOES AS A MISSIONARY SCHOOL TEACHER AMONG TEIE 
ONEIDAS. 

May llth, 1829. Have just returned from a 
quarterly meeting held at TJtica, where I saw 
several Indian converts, belonging to three dif- 
ferent tribes, namely, the Missisaugahs, the 
Mohawks, and the Oneidas, in company with 
brother Case, his wife, and Miss Barnes. It 
was indeed a very interesting sight, and their 
appearance as they entered the church affected 
me much. 

Last evening, Peter Jones, a principal chief 
belonging to the Missisaugahs, preached in Eng- 
lish, from Acts xiii, 41, "Behold, ye despisers, 
and wonder, and perish : for I v/ork a work in 
your days, a w^ork which ye shall in nowise 
believe, though a man declare it unto you." 
While introducing himself to the congregation, 
and before he had mentioned his text, an alarm 
of fire was given : a great part of the congre- 
gation rushed out; but soon returned, it being a 
false alarm. From this circumstance he took 
occasion to remind them of the judgment-day, 
when none could escape. In his remarks on 
the above singularly appropriate passage, he 
spoke of the work, the means, and the effects 
which the text brings to view. Pursuant to this 
general plan, he particularly noticed the work 
of the Spirit upon the human heart, enlighten- 
ing, convincing, renovating, &;c. ; of missiona- 



:\rEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 169 

ries, as the means used by God to carry on this 
work ; and the blessed effects produced by 
those means. ^' Here," said he, pointing down 
to the altar, "is a sample before you : here are 
those who, a little while since, were wallowing 
in their filth and mire, rao-ored. and hunorv. de- 
lighting in their drunken rcA'els, and raising the 
bloody tomahawk over one another's heads. 
But what a change ! Their instruments of death 
are now thrown aside : they live in love ; and 
are anxious to have homes for their families, 
so that they may raise what will make them 
comfortable, and procure an education for their 
childi'en.'' Had I not been assured otherwise, 
I should certainly have thought that the speaker 
had been favoured with an early English educa- 
tion. Siu'ely, there is nothing too hard for God ! 
At this meeting I saw the Rev. Dan Barnes,* 
presiding elder of our district, and superintend- 
ent of the Oneida mission ; and, after much de- 
liberation and consultation, came to the conclu- 

"^ The Rev. Dan Barnes, long a promineDt and influ- 
ential member of the Genesee and Oneida Conferences. 
Though his pulpit talents were not of a high order, the can- 
did and reflecting seldom heard him without profit. In argu- 
ment he was generally powerful and convincing. He was 
a man of much practical wisdom, and was considered by 
those who knew him best a safe counsellor. As a circuit 
preacher, presiding elder, and missionary, he rendered im- 
portant serv-ices to the church of Christ, and richly earned 
the reputation of her warm and steadfast fiiend. 

In 1836 he emigrated to the west, and became a mem- 
ber of the Michigan Conference. In August, 1840, he fell 
a victim to the prevaihng fever, in the fifty-sixth year of 
his asfe. — Ed. 



170 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

sion that I would engage as a teacher among 
the native Indians at Oneida, as soon as a suit- 
able house could be found ; feeling a sincere 
desire to enter, soul and body, into the work. 
Soon after this interview he called at our house, 
as he was going into the lower part of his 
charge, and said he knew not what arrangement 
to make in regard to my accommodation at the 
mission, as there was no white family in the 
neighbourhood with whom I could board. On 
brother Barnes' return I proposed to board my- 
self, provided a suitable associate could be 
found, and he would consent to employ her. 
The plan pleased him, and I named sister Pa- 
tience Morey. Providentially she soon came 
along ; and when the proposition was made to 
her she readily consented, provided her parents 
were willing. They made no objection, and 
our arrangements were speedily completed. 
The same week brother Barnes went to Oneida, 
and engaged a room for us in the house of a 
respectable Indian widow. 

A camp meeting for the Westmoreland cir- 
cuit was, soon after this, held in Augusta. Good 
order was maintained, and much good done. 
About thirty persons professed to experience a 
change of heart, probably one half of whom 
were natives from Oneida. On Monday morn- 
ing brother Barnes, employing an interpreter, 
introduced me to the native brethren as their 
school teacher ; and though I felt deeply hum- 
bled in view of my unworthiness, joy and peace 
filled my soul. At this meeting 1 had much 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 171 

conversation with Bishop Roberts and some of 
the preachers, respecting the great work in 
which I was about to engage ; and the deep in- 
terest they manifested in the whole matter 
greatly encouraged me. May I succeed an- 
swerably to their expectations, and do nothing 
to detract from their present estimation of my 
Christian character ! 

June 18th. Brother Eaton, who lives a few- 
miles from the mission, came for us : but, as I 
had no idea of going so soon, I was hardly 
ready. Besides, my father was quite ill, which 
made the trial still greater. But as sister 
Morey was ready, I hastily gathered my few 
things together, resting assured it was my duty 
to go : and notwithstanding the trial involved, 
I have been more than compensated in the 
abundant peace and joy in the Holy Ghost 
with which I have been blest. We arrived at 
brother Eaton's just at evening, and were re- 
ceived in the most cordial manner by the whole 
family. Several Christian friends came in to 
see us, and one who had visited our red bre- 
thren said, he had no doubt we should receive 
our reward as we went along ; and so we have 
found it. Fervent prayers were offered in our 
behalf, and we retired early to rest : but the 
importance of the Avork before me so pressed 
upon my mind, that I slept but little. We arose 
early the next morning, and after breakfast 
brother Eaton, accompanied by the Rev. bre- 
tliren Halsteads, conveyed us to the mission; 
where we were received quite diffidently, and 



172 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

yet with great apparent cordiality. The house, 
though far enough from being either comforta- 
ble or convenient, was rather pleasantly located ; 
standing upon the side of a hill, and command- 
ing a pretty good view of the beautiful village 
of Vernon, situated about three miles to the 
north of us. After our brethren had rendered 
us all the assistance they could, and being about 
to return, all present were invited into our room ; 
when Abraham Scanadore, the native class 
leader, addressed us through an interpreter, 
who spoke very poor English. He said, in 
substance, " We are all very glad you come to 
see us, and learn our children to read. We 
will do all we can to make you happy. O, I 
can't talk much : want words : don't know what 
to say : we want you to learn us every thing." 
I told him we gratefully accepted his kind in- 
tentions, and would try to do them all the good 
we could ; which seemed to please them much. 
We then united in a little prayer meeting, and 
a precious season it was to our souls. Soon 
after one of the females presented us with some 
fresh strawberries, as if to express her grati- 
tude for having come to their place. 

About noon brother Barnes and brother S. 
Stone came with supplies for our table. We 
prepared them some dinner, when, after inqui- 
ring into our wants, they left us to arrange our 
domestic affairs, and prepare for the more im- 
mediate objects of our mission. Our condition 
was soon sufficiently comfortable to inspire us 
with gratitude. Having forgotten to furnish 



ME:,I0IR of LUCY RICHARDS. 173 

ourselves with candles, the venerable mother 
of the widow in whose house we lived gather- 
ed us some dry wood, which furnished, for the 
time, all the light we needed ; and being some- 
what fatigued, we retired to rest. Meanwhile 
the Indian part of the family went to an evening- 
prayer meeting, held near by ; and while the air 
was vocal with the voice of prayer and praise, we 
sweetly fell asleep. It was not long, however, 
before our repose was disturbed by the earnest 
devotions of the family after their return from 
the prayer meeting : several of them lost their 
strength, as has frequently been the case since. 
For a few moments I was tempted to think we 
had been too venturesome in taking up our 
abode in a land of strangers, unprotected by the 
hand of a single acquaintance, and even desti- 
tute of a candle : but when I appealed to the 
Searcher of hearts, who had heard my groan- 
in gs in secret places, and who had often de- 
livered my soul, I was assured I had nothing to 
fear. And of this I was the more satisfied when 
I reflected that the whole of the widow's family, 
though large, were the professed friends of the 
Saviour. 

Among others who belonged to her family at 
this time was William Doxtater, her nephew, 
who had been chiefly instrumental in bringing 
this poor people to the knowledge of the truth. 
He had lived in Canada for some time, and 
when there experienced religion ; and feeling a 
strong desire to visit his friends in this place, 
brother Case procured him license to preach. 



174 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

Accordingly lie came to Oneida some time in 
February last, and commenced his labours 
among his kindred according to the flesh. At 
first they were so much offended with him that 
they would scarcely give him a morsel to eat, 
for two or three days together. He says, 
" Sometimes I feel very bad and pray a great 
deal. But, by and by, they began to listen : 
then they feel very sorry, because they got 
such bad hearts: cry a great deal, and then 
pray to Jesus to give them new hearts. Then 
I felt well to see my people get good : they give 
me enough to eat everyday: and more of them 
I hope will get this good religion." The gospel 
as preached by him was, indeed, the power of 
God unto the salvation of many a poor wanderer 
in the gloomy mazes of paganism. How true 
it is, that truths when accompanied by the Holy 
Spirit, is mighty, and must prevail ; whether 
delivered by St. . Paul before philosophers at 
Athens, or by a poor Indian in a wigwam ! 

Saturday, June 20th, brother Barnes and 
brother Halstead came over to attend the quar- 
terly meeting for the mission. After meeting, 
several of the natives came in to see us, and were 
particularly pleased with our books : we began 
immediately to teach them the alphabet. The 
love-feast on Sunday morning was a very good 
one. With great simplicity and earnestness 
the native brethren and sisters told the wonder- 
ful works of God to and among them. Next, 
brother Barnes preached to them on, " Repent ye 
therefore, and be converted," &c., and was fol- 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 175 

lowed by William Doxtater, who spoke in the 
Mohawk tongue. For the first time, the holy 
sacrament vras now administered to these new 
converts to the Christian faith. It was indeed 
a powerful and interesting season ; many en- 
tirely losing their bodily strength, and falling 
prostrate to the floor ! ^less the Lord, O my 
soul, for this opportunity of celebrating the Sa- 
viour's dying love ! Surely he is no respecter 
of persons. After tea, several of the converts 
came in, w^hom we endeavoured to instruct in 
reading : one could read in the Testament : 
some knew their letters ; and others appeared 
very anxious to learn. It is truly astonishing 
how eagerly they receive instruction. We 
conversed with them in the simplest manner 
we could, and then concluded with a prayer 
meeting. 

Monday, 22d. There were present this 
morning about twenty natives, old and young, 
when Wm. Doxtater commended us to God at 
the family altar ;_ and then took his leave of us 
to go on a \dsit to Canada. It was a very 
solemn and interesting season, and many were 
deeply affected. Agreeably to arrangement, we 
commenced our school this morning in a private 
house belonging to a native w^idow : opened the 
school with thirteen scholars, and at the close 
had twenty-seven. One, a lad of sixteen, 
could read the Testament ; five knew their let- 
ters, and twenty-one began to learn them. I 
feel there is a great work before me, for which, 
unaided from on high, I am wholly unqualified. 



176 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

We are watched closely on every side, and, if 
I am not mistaken, with a jealous eye. Every 
now and then some of the old people come and 
look in at the door or window, doubtless to see 
what strange things are going on! When they 
do this 1 generally leave all, and, in the most 
friendly manner, go and invite them to come 
in and see what we are doing. The children 
are very bashful, and keep their blankets drawn 
almost entirely over their heads. When I 
address them they appear exceedingly abashed, 
and can hardly be persuaded to look me in: the 
fac^. Indeed, I scarcely know what I should 
do were it not that two or three understand a 
little English, through whom I am enabled to 
address the rest. But their want of personal 
cleanliness is a most serious inconvenience to 
those whose duty it is to come somewhat in 
contact with them. To this, therefore, we 
must direct our reforming attention. 

After tea to-day we took a walk to the new- 
meeting-house, which our red brethren are 
building for themselves, and then called at the 
house of the head chief, Jacob Cornelius. We 
had had some acquaintance with him before ; 
he appears quite friendly ; and, though he has 
not joined society, I think he has experienced 
religion. His wife is a member, and, although 
very diffident, can speak English tolerably well. 

July 10th. Before I left home my parents 
prophesied that I should not remain at the mis- 
sion more than two or three weeks before I 
should be brought home sick. To-day they 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 177 

have been to visit me, and found me cheerfully 
employed in school, in better health and spirits 
than v^hen I left. I have succeeded in getting 
the children's blankets off, and in persuading 
them to make a more thorough application of 
the cleansing element to their persons and 
clothes. Appearances, altogether, are quite 
encouraging : some of the scholars learn finely. 
Brethren Halstead and Eaton, v^ith the son and 
daughter of the latter, have been to visit my 
school to-day, and all appeared to be well 
pleased. 

The desire of the natives to learn exceeds 
any thing I ever saw before. Several young 
men, who cannot find time to attend the school, 
come into our room as they have opportunity 
and receive instruction ; and so rapid has been. 
their progress that they now readily spell words 
of three or four letters. The jealousies and 
prejudices of the people seem to be yielding to 
the light of truth, as the morning mist retires 
before the rising sun. They are now very 
kind to us : indeed, I think I never saw a more 
loving and devoted people. Our advice in. 
regard to cleanliness has been taken in good 
part, and has perhaps led to some real im- 
provement. This is particularly observable 
in the widow whose house in part we occupy. 
Her son Thomas was so much pleased with 
the alteration in his mother, sister, house, &c., 
that he would often tell us he was very glad 
we come here to live, to learn them how to 
make bread, clean the house, wash and mend 
12 



178 BIEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

their clothes, &c. He would frequently say ^ 
** 0, I like it ; my mother like it too,— you live 
here, and learn her how to work: I guess, 
may be, by and by, she know how to do some- 
thing." Some idea of their utter practical inat- 
tention to tidiness may be formed from the fol- 
lowing fact, which we learned by actual obser- 
vation : — -they wash their clothes, mop their 
floor, and milk their cow in the same pail ! 

We find our old log school-house very uncom- 
fortable, especially in dark and rainy weather; 
for the chimney carries smoke so indifferently 
that we can have but little fire : and as to light, 
all we get comes either down the chimney or 
through the crevices in the walls. I sometimes 
contrast this with my former situation, but feel 
quite contented in the reflection that I am where 
I can do good to the souls and bodies of my 
poor fellow-creatures. This is all I desire. 

Sept. 3d. Our house for worship and school 
being finished, we entered it wdth real satisfac- 
tion. All was going on prosperously, and our 
little tawny charge making good proficiency, 
when I was taken very ill, so that for eight 
days I Avas unable to be in school. Sister 
Morey was taken soon after, but not quite so 
severely. Some of the time I was in great 
distress, not knowing but it would be my last 
sickness : but my mind was kept in perfect 
peace, feeling a sweet resignation to the will of 
God, regretting no sacrifice I had made in com- 
ing to the place, and fully believing that should 
God call me away, the door was opened for 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 179 

some one to come among this people who 
might be more useful. Our native friends were 
very kind to us, evincing great sympathy in our 
affliction, and often praying for our recovery. 
Sister Hendrickcame to see us, and afterward 
sent us a fowl. She said, she was very sorry 
I was sick, because I was the first that ever 
came there to learn their children to read and 
be good ; that she should pray a good deal for 
me ; and if I got well I must not be too good to 
their children, but must correct them and make 
them obey; and it might be that in two or 
three years they would learn something. 

Sept. r5th. My health is not quite as good 
as it was before I was taken sick, yet I endure 
the fatigues of the school much beter than I 
anticipated ; for besides doing our house-work 
and fitting garments for the children, w^e have 
aided in preparing two of the boys to attend the 
school at Cazenovia. To persuade them to have 
their hair cut, their persons thoroughly cleansed, 
and their clothes suited to their prospective 
circumstances, was no small job. But after it 
was done, and they were dressed in a good 
English style, all appeared much pleased : and 
the example thus set has been quite salutary in 
its influence on others. The dress of the 
males formerly consisted of a long ruffle shirt, 
which was seldom washed till worn out, or, 
more properly, worn off ; a white cravat, a pair 
of leggins, and a frock coat, seamed up without 
folds, facings, cuffs, or buttons ; being generally 
tied together about the waist with a wampum 



180 MEMOIR OF LVOV RICHARDS. 

belt, handkerchief, leather strap, or slip of bark ; 
and they sometimes wore moccasins and blank- 
ets ; but very few had hats or other covering 
for their heads. The females wear their hair 
parted from the centre of the forehead directly 
over the crown of the head, braided down their 
backs, and tied up in the neck with a string or 
riband ; and many of them have a long lock hang- 
ing down the fore side of each ear. Their dress 
is a broadcloth petticoat, bound with blue or red 
riband, and ornamented with beads ; leggins 
lixed in the same manner, a calico or white 
cotton short-gown, without being hemmed, and 
fastened together with broaches ; and from two 
to five pairs of jewels in their ears. But the 
glorious gospel is effecting a change even in 
their attire. 

I have just received word from the superin- 
tendent of the mission, that he wishes me to 
appear with a part of my charge at the anniver- 
sary of the New York Mills Missionary Society, 
on the 21st instant. And, besides, he requires 
me to write an address to be read on that occa- 
sion ! a task so exceedingly crossing to my 
feelings, that, could I feel justified, I should 
certainly decline. Yet I submit to the judg- 
ment of my superiors, as, it seems, I cannot be 
" excused." 

Sept. 19th. Accompanied by sister Morey 
and two little Indian girls, and politely aided by 
brother Cody, I arrived at the house of brother 
Baker, the stationed minister at New-York 
Mills, a little before twelve o'clock. After 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 181 

dining, we went to the house of my old friend, 
the Rev. Charles Giles, where we were most 
hospitably and agreeably entertained till after 
the missionary meeting. The meeting was 
well attended, and there were more than a 
score of our red friends present. Seven of my 
scholars read and spelt, much to the satisfac- 
tion, I should think, of those present, especially 
considering the very limited period they have 
been in school. Brother Giles read extracts 
from my written address, and followed the read- 
ing with a most eloquent and effective speech. 
On the whole, the meeting was quite interest- 
ing and well adapted to sustain and diffuse the 
missionary spirit. From this place I went to 
m.y father's in Paris, where I spent a few days 
with my friends, and then returned to the 
mission. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

CONTINUES AT THE MISSION VARIOUS INCIDENTS. 

Since my last entry the missionary premises 
have been undergoing various repairs, in con- 
sequence of which the school has been suspend- 
ed. It is now again in pleasant operation. I 
was somewhat apprehensive, that, when our 
workmen dispersed, I should be lonesome, as 
our whole family now consists of sister Morey, 
myself, and an Indian boy. But I have been 
the furthest from it imaginable : for when I am 



182 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

in school I have a sufficient number of igno- 
rant scholars to instruct, and when out I am 
busily employed in fitting their clothes : so that 
there is little room left to be lonesome. Be- 
sides, my health is good, my peace like a river, 
my faith unshaken — and God all in all. I re- 
joice when I think of what he has done, and is 
still doing, for this people. A short time since 
he was pleased to honour our humble dwelling 
by making it the spiritual birth-place of one 
precious soul. O, it was a memorable season ! 

Of late I have had something like a presenti- 
ment that trials were before me, and have been led 
frequently and earnestly to pray for supporting 
gi'ace. But little did I imagine they would come 
in the way they have. William Doxtater has been 
drinking to intoxication, and trying to set him- 
self up as an independent preacher in opposi- 
tion to brother Barnes, as well as to break up 
the mission-school! How often does Satan 
lead persons into a snare, and then leave them 
without the means of extricating themselves! 
Thus it was in the present instance. This poor 
fallen young man would have fain stayed with 
us, but an authoritative note from the head chief 
bade him be gone ; which I think was the 
wisest thing that could be done; for he is a 
shrewd, artful fellov/, and might have done 
much harm. As it is, I think he will do the 
society very little injury; for they say, " We 
must not do as William has done, but try to be 
good, and stick to it as long as we live." 

Dec. 28th. The day before yesterday one of 



MEMOIR OF LUCV RICHARDS. 183 

my little scholars, John Hendrick, died, aged 
about five or six years. He was a sprightly 
little boy, and so anxious to learn to read, that, 
after he became a little acquainted, he would 
come and stand by me when others were read- 
ing, and, with his eye intently fixed on the 
book, pronounce the letters after me. But this 
promising flower is nipped in the bud. After 
it was thought his end was near, he revived, 
asked the family to sing, and soon after ex- 
pired. I have just attended his funeral. Most 
of the people assembled in the chapel, and 
waited for the arrival of the corpse : when it 
came in sight the preacher gave the people no- 
tice, and everyone left the house; the men 
standing in one group, the women in another. 
When the cofiin, which was strung on a pole 
and carried by two individuals, passed through, 
the people followed, singing in their own 
tongue, — 

'* How happy every child of grace, 

"Who knows his sins forgiven," &c. 

The cofiin was then placed on the table, the 
pole taken ofi' by one of the women, and the 
lid of the coffin removed, when the relatives 
took their seats near the door. The meeting 
was opened by the head chief, and a sermon 
preached by Joseph Carpenter, a native re- 
cently from Canada. After singing and prayer, 
we viewed the corpse, which was dressed in 
his clean, every-day costume, with a handker- 
chief tied about the head. The cofiin was then 
nailed, strung on the pole, and carried to the 



184 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

place of interaient. I think I shall never for- 
get the appearance of the pious grandmother, 
who remained on her knees some time after 
prayer, silently raising her hand toward hea- 
ven, while the tears were plentifully running 
down her furrowed cheeks. The whole scene 
was deeply solemn and affecting. 

Jan. 1st, 1830. Just after sunrise this morn- 
ing a number of my scholars came to the mis- 
sion-house. Upon inquiry, we found that the 
chief had told them to go to every house, as 
had been their custom on new-year's morning, 
and get cakes. Not expecting them, we were 
wholly unprepared to meet their wants : but, 
having no school in consequence of the meet- 
ing, which was to commence at eleven o'clock, 
we told them if they would come again at ten, 
we would be ready for them. At the time ap- 
pointed there appeared more than forty robust 
children, most of whom were clad in a plain 
English style, with clean hands and faces, and 
hair oiled and combed most tastefully. As the 
weather was remarkably fine for the season, 
there being no snow on the ground, they took 
their stand upon the grass before the house, the 
boys in one row, the girls in another ; leaving 
just room enough for us to pass between them. 
After we had served our cakes, all bowed their 
heads to crave the divine blessing ; a practice 
which has been universal among them since 
they have embraced Christianity. O, it was a 
lovely sight ; a sight upon which,! have thought, 
the angels themselves might gaze with plea- 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS, 185 

sure ! We then sung a hymn, and prayed ; 
after which we repaired to the chapel ; where 
the services, though I understood but little of 
them, were greatly blessed to my poor soul. 
God was in the midst of us, and his Spirit bore 
witness with my spirit, that I was a child of 
his. Bless the Lord, O my soul ! 

Feb. 3d. My dear parents, with my brother- 
in-law and sister Irish, have been to make me 
a visit. I take great pleasure in seeing my re- 
latives ; a pleasure which I fear I shall not 
always enjoy. I often think of the lonely mis- 
sionary, in some distant land, whither he has 
gone to guide the poor wanderer into the paths 
of peace ; and dare not compare my privations 
with his. But though I feel grateful that Pro- 
vidence has cast my lot where my friends can 
come and see me, yet it may well be supposed 
that I feel somxC tender emotions on parting 
with them, for I have not entered the dwelling 
of a white person more than once within the 
last four months. Still I feel no disposition to 
complain : indeed, I am contented and happy. 
Sister Morey is an excellent housekeeper, and 
takes much pains to instruct those with whom 
she has intercourse in domestic aiFairs. Though 
my school is now large, and I have no one to 
assist me, yqt matters move on agreeably. I 
am sometimes weary in the work, but never 
of it. My scholars are making good proficiency, 
and I often have seasons of refreshing from the 
presence of the Lord. To his name be all the 
glory, now and evermore ! 



186 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

Feb. 9th. " How unsearchable are the ways 
of God, and his judgments past finding out !" 
Just as I was going to my dehghtful employ- 
ment, about one o'clock this afternoon, one of 
my scholars opened the door and said, she 
wanted a pail to get some water, for the school- 
house was on fire. We ran ; though appre- 
hending little danger, thinking it probable that 
merely a few coals had fallen from the store 
hearth. But how great w^as our surprise to 
find, on coming near the building, that the fire 
had broken out in the chamber! We blew the 
horn, and otherwise did what we could to give 
the alarm ; but, alas ! it was too late ; as the 
boys were absent, and the men chopping at a 
distance in the woods. The books and five 
windows were all we saved. Though the fire 
was doubtless accidentally communicated, the 
scene was truly affecting. A number of the in- 
habitants were soon collected, and when they 
beheld the ruins of the place where they had 
been " born again," some covered their mouths 
with their hands and stood in speechless aston- 
ishment ; others barely heaved a deep sigh ; 
others exclaimed, ^' O, I sorry;" and others 
said, '• When will you keep school again ? You 
must not go away. No ! May be get some old 
house; keep school again. You are not to 
blame. Some time we well, and some time we 
sick — can't help it : you know all." Some 
came into the mission-house without uttering a 
word, and, drawing their blankets over their 
heads, w^ept bitterly, I endeavoured to comfort 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 187 

them by telling them that our white friends had 
been very kind to them, and that, if they conti- 
nued faithful, tliey would doubtless aid them in 
building another house. At this their counte- 
nances brightened, and one and another said, 
" I help,— I do all I can." In the evening our 
prayer meeting w^as held at the house of John 
Cornelius, and, though much straitened for want 
of room, it was a good time. 

r2th. Pursuant to the advice of our brethren, 
Barnes and Jones, w^ho came to the mission the 
day after the fire, I went to Paris, w^here I spent 
a week. The leading object of my visit was, 
if possible, to obtain aid in the erection of a 
new school-house. Brother Barnes came and 
preached at our chapel on the succeeding sab- 
bath evening, and, as there were several of our 
red brethren present, brother David Johnson, 
one of their number, gave them an exhortation 
in Indian. Brother Barnes then called upon 
me to state my wants to the congregation, 
which, though a great cross, I endeavoured to 
do. Every ear seemed to hear, and every heart 
to feel. Blessed be the Lord, I found many a 
" cheerful giver" among Presbyterian and Epis- 
copalian, as among Methodist, friends : so that 
w^hat was actually collected, with what was 
subscribed in money, materials, and provisions, 
amounted to about fifty dollars. Time and cir- 
cumstances considered, this was liberal and 
encouragmg. 

When I w^ent home I found my parents quite 
unwell, and my sister M, confined to her bed. 



188 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

I felt it to be a real privilege to do a little for 
those who had done so much for me in the time 
of affliction. When they had so far recovered 
as to render it proper for me to leave them, I 
returned to the mission, taking the Westmore- 
land quarterly meeting in my way. About forty 
of our native brethren were present, and it was 
truly a good time. 

March 4th. Our red brethren continue much 
engaged, and meet at different places for prayer 
through the week. Last sabbath was a memo- 
rable time indeed : the Lord of hosts was truly 
with us. For the first time in her life, sl$ter 
M. fell under the mighty power of God. I have 
been seldom more pleased than I was in class, 
when the leader addressed me in English for 
the first time. He said, " Sister, speak to God, 
to heaven, to your soul, to-day." So far as I 
was able to gather his meaning, it was. Speak 
about what God has done for your soul to-day, 
and the prospect you have of seeing him in hea- 
ven, &c. 

Some of our native exhorters have been out 
to visit the Onondagas, where they have been 
instrumental in bringing several of the benight- 
ed pagans to the knowledge of the truth. A 
spirit of inquiry having been awakened in that 
nation, quite a number have visited us who 
were soundly converted to God while here. 
Some of the old chiefs, however, evince the 
most bitter hostility.* How true it is, that " the 

* Death has since removed these pagan chiefs, and a 
great and effectual door is now opened for the missionary 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 189 

carnal mind," wherever found, " is enmity 
against God." 

So many are talking of moving to Green 
Bay, that we are in painful suspense in regard to 
building a school-house. But we must patiently 
wait the result ; and while I humble myself at 
the foot of the cross in view of having done so 
little for God and his cause, I would not fojget 
to praise him for all his mercies. 

April 5th. The agitation respecting a removal 
to Green Bay having rendered it necessary still 
further to postpone the erection of a school- 
house, I concluded to delay no longer ; and 
accordingly, on the first instant, reopened my 
school in an old log building, situated some 
distance from the mission-house. Every thing 
like convenience is utterly out of the question. 
But though covered with ashes and enveloped 
in smoke, I have seldom been more happy than 
I was to-day when reflecting on that mysterious 
providence that brought me to this place. While 
the children were absent at dinner, I bowed 
before the Lord, and felt that even this place 
was " none other but the house of God, and the 
gate of heaven." I felt that if I had as many 
lives as I had lived years, I could cheerfully 
devote them all, were they required, to the mis- 
sionary cause. I, however, have but one, and 

of the cross among the Onondagas. The place is regularly 
visited by native speakers from Oneida, a flourishing soci- 
ety has been formed, and every thing indicates the day of 
salvation to this long-neglected and deeply-degraded peo- 
ple. — Ed. 



190 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

that is far spent. May the Lord help me to 
make the best possible use of what remains in 
doing some little good to the souls and bodies 
of this long-neglected race ; for to what purpose 
does a person live who lives wholly to himself ? 
Yesterday brother Barnes preached, and bro- 
ther Halstead exhorted : O, it was a blessed 
season. Brother H. particularly exhorted sis- 
ter Morey and myself not to be discouraged, 
but to persevere in our labours among this poor 
degraded people, whatever privations we might 
experience ; telling us, from the fulness of his 
soul, that we should not lose our reward. And, 
blessed be God, I thought if I could never have 
any other than that which I then felt in my 
soul, it would be a sufficient inducement to per- 
severe. 

I am frequently questioned by my red friends 
as to my willingness to accompany them to 
Green Bay, should they all, hereafter, sell their 
lands and conclude to go. As yet I have thought 
proper to give them no definite answer, but 
have simply asked them how they thought I 
could live there ? I could neither hunt nor fish, 
nor should I have either house or land. The 
chief replied, "I guess I fix it." Another said, 
" We hunt for you." And another, " O, I work 
for you first ; chop down the trees ; build you 
a little house ; make you garden : — -Say you 
go." Dear people, should they be removed by 
the providence of God into that great wilder- 
ness, I doubt not but those will be found who 
will not count their lives dear unto themselves, 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 191 

if, by accompanying them, they may be the 
means of helping them to heaven. 

May 12th. Accompanied by the two brothers 
and sister Halstead, I once more visited my 
dear friends at Paris : found them in usual 
health, and attended the third anniversary of 
our female missionary society. Brother H. 
Halstead preached on the occasion, after which 
we elected our officers, and voted to appropri- 
ate our funds to the Oneida mission. Stayed 
one night at my dear father's, and returned the 
next day. In the evening several came in to 
see us, with whom we had a most precious sea- 
son in prayer. Never, no never, shall I forget 
" the times of refreshing" I have enjoyed under 
the paternal roof. And may God Almighty 
bless my venerable parents, in the decline of 
life, with every temporal and spiritual comfort, 
and grant them at last an abundant entrance 
into his heavenly kingdom ! As it is expected 
that more than one hundred of the Oneidas will 
remove during the next month to Green Bay, 
it had been reported to my friends that I was 
designing to go wdth them. To be informed 
otherwise gave them great relief. Still, as my 
mind had been so much exercised on the sub- 
ject of an ultimate removal to that distant land, 
as to cause sleep to depart from my eyes, it 
was my design to converse freely wdth them 
respecting it ; but, as the cross w^as so great, I 
concluded to defer the matter till it assumed a 
more definite shape. 

Sunday, 20th. Brother Barnes preached to- 



192 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

day, and brother Goodwin Stoddard exhorted : 
it was a good time. The question has again 
been proposed by the preachers, whether I 
should be willing to go " to the far west," if the 
rest of the natives should conclude to emigrate 
thither ? But I did not feel free to answer, 
wishing to make it still further the subject of 
reflection and prayer. I, however, told them I 
should first wish to know it was my duty, and 
that were it not for two or three ifs, I could 
easily settle the question. I particularly had 
in my mind — the consent of my relatives— the 
society of a few choice friends — and the means 
to make me comfortable. But I leave this, as 
all else that concerns my future course, in the 
hands of God. My chief concern is, and hope 
ev^er will be, to know and do his blessed will. 

My heart has been deeply humbled within 
me while reading the annual reports of the fe- 
male and Dorcas missionary societies of New- 
York. I bless God for sympathizing friends, 
however distant. May the Lord continue to 
bless them, and cause their zeal to become still 
more warm and difTusive, till the missionary 
fire burns in every part of the Methodist con- 
nection ! O, what a fulness there is in Christ ! 
And as the provisions of the gospel are ample, 
so they encourage a universal application. 

'' O for a trumpet voice, 

On all the world to call, 
To bid their hearts rejoice 

In him who died for all ! 
For all my Lord was crucify'd ; 
For all, for all my Saviour died.'^ 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 193 

July 17th. Sister Barnes, missionary from 
Canada, who has been on a visit among her 
friends at the east, came very unexpectedly to- 
day, and with her three other sisters from New- 
York. Their visit was short, but to us very 
pleasant. While sister M. was preparing their 
dinner, they visited my school, and appeared 
much pleased, as well with the proficiency my 
scholars had made in their studies, as with their 
order and cleanliness. The shell was soon 
sounded, and, %vhile our sisters were dining, the 
Indians came flocking together ; when sister 
Barnes addressed them with much animation 
and pov>^er. It w^as indeed a memorable sea- 
son, and one for which I feel peculiarly thank- 
ful. Never was my heart more in the work in 
which I am engaged, and I hope to spend and 
be spent in doing good to the poor heathen. 

22d. The idea of fitting out a mission family 
for Green Bay is, for the present, relinquished; 
and it has been thought proper that sister M. 
and myself should continue where we are. For 
this blessing I feel truly thankful. Knowing 
that we have their confidence, w^e hope to be 
rendered a greater blessing to this people than 
heretofore, should our health be preserved, 
which, at present, is remarkably good. Some of 
the little boys can now read in the English Tes- 
tament, and spell with astonishing accuracy, 
who, when we commenced teaching them, 
could scarcely understand a word that was said 
to them ! I often think of the dear little crea- 
turesj thirty in number, who used to be members 
13 



194 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

of my school, but have now gone to the wilds 
of the west. Of the adults who emigrated, ten 
were members of society : these were formed 
into a class, and Antonio Wheelock appointed 
their leader. It may well be supposed that I 
felt much at parting with. them ; and my prayer 
to God is, that they may be kept from the evils 
to which they are exposed, and that in due 
time the faithful missionary may go among 
them to teach them the fear of the Lord. 

Yesterday Bishop Hedding, with three 
preachers, visited my school : after which he 
preached to the natives through an interpreter 
on, " The Son of man is come to seek and save 
that which was lost." There was much good 
feeling manifested by our red brethren, who, 
after the sermon, sung a hymn, shook hands 
with the bishop, and in a very simple and unaf- 
fected manner bade him farewell. He stayed 
with us till this afternoon, and if his visit was a 
thousandth part as pleasant and profitable to 
himself as it was to us, I am quite certain he 
will not soon forget it. May the great Head 
of the church accompany him in his labours of 
love wherever he may go, and may the heaven 
of eternal love be his final reward ! 

Aug. 18th. A messenger arrived, informing 
me that my father was sick, and wished me to 
come home immediately. I went, and found 
him, to all human appearance, on the very 
brink of the grave. Every kind of medicine 
having failed, I prescribed ; and for three hours 
lie lay quiet ; so that I began to flatter myself 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 195 

I should succeed : but my hope was soon 
blasted; his vomiting returned ; and for several 
days and nights we were looking for him to 
breathe his last. On Wednesday evening, the 
25th, we w^ere called around his bed to see him 
expire : and what rendered the scene more 
awfully solemn and affecting was, my mother 
was very sick of the same complaint. Wrapped 
in a blanket, she was brought from another 
room to his bed-side : and O, to see them shake 
hands and hear them bid each other " farewell," 
both happy and resigned, gave rise to feelings 
of which it were useless to attempt a descrip- 
tion. But that God who is rich in mercy, has, 
in answer to many prayers, graciously spared 
them both, I trust not only to suffer but to do 
his blessed will a little longer. On the 3d 
of September they were so far recovered that I 
considered myself at liberty to leave them, and 
accordingly returned to my arduous but still 
much-loved employment. 

Saturday. Nov. 27th. Our nev/ meeting- 
house is finished, and on Wednesday evening 
last was dedicated to Almighty God : sermon 
by brother Barnes on, '• The Lord hath done 
great things for us, whereof we are glad ;" 
which was followed by an excellent love-feast. 
Thursday morning I assembled my scholars at 
the school-house; several preachers were pre- 
sent ; went through the usual exercises of 
reading, spelling, &c. ; singing by the scholars, 
and prayer by brother B. Then walked to the 
new church ; forty-three children were present; 



196 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

and, though the weather was rainy, a large 
congregation assembled. Sermon in the morn- 
ing by brother Gary, in the afternoon by brother 
Barnes, and in the evening by brother Fox. It 
was indeed a very interesting season ; and as 
the work of the Lord still prospers, my prayer 
is, that it m.ay go on till every red man of the 
woods is regenerated and disenthralled. 

Christmas, Dec. 25th. We assembled at the 
new church this morning between the hours of 
twelve and one : heard tv/o sermons, but under- 
stood very little of the one delivered in Indian. 
A class and prayer meeting followed. The 
Lord was present to bless the people, and I 
presume there were few present who did not 
feel that '' the Day-star from on high had visit- 
ed" them. Just as the day began to dawn I 
felt my heart stirred within me to speak of the 
loving-kindness of the Lord to us, fallen, wretch- 
ed, and depraved sinners, in sending his Son 
into the world to suffer and die in our stead ; 
and no sooner did I obey than my soul was 
*' filled unutterably full of glory and of God." 
O how good the Saviour is to one so utterly 
unworthy ! 

" May I to his glory live, 
And in his cause expire." 

April 15th, 1831. I am now left alone with 
the exception of a little Indian boy, who ap- 
pears to feel very much for me, and is very 
kind. Sister Morey was taken ill early in the 
month of March, and yesterday was obliged to 
leave. The heaviest of the work has. for some 



MEMOIR OF LUCV RICHARDS. 197 

time, devolved upon me, so that I have often 
feared that domestic occupations and the care 
of the school would prove too much for my 
slender constitution. But I have ventured for- 
ward in the name of the Lord, leaning upon his 
almiorhtv arm, and trustino- in his " o-reat and 
precious promises.'' 

27th. Have just received a letter from my 
sister J., which caused me both to weep and 
rejoice. I wept to be informed of the illness 
of my dear sister M., and of my brother's wife ; 
but rejoiced to hear of the conversion of some 
of my old neighbours among the Presbyterians. 

Though I had hoped for the company of one 
of my sisters, I am still alone. But hitherto 
the Lord hath comforted me, so that during my 
most lonely hour^ I have enjoyed some happy 
seasons. Lonely, did I say ? In some sense, 
certainly, such has been mv condition ! for I 
have no one to associate with, from day to day, 
and from week to week, but the natives of the 
neighbourhood. Still, it affords me unspeaka- 
ble consolation to feel that I am doing the will 
of God while imparting instruction to this rude 
yet happy people. The children are making 
most pleasant proficiency in their studies : 
eleven are reading in the Testament ; four just 
commencing with arithmetic ; five learning to 
write ; and several little girls using their nee- 
dles, some of whom can sew very handsomely : 
so that I trust I am usefully employed, however 
exhausting my task. But the best of all is, 
Jesus, the sinner's friend, is my constant com- 



§ 



198 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

panion ; and to wear out in his blessed service 
is infinitely preferable to a life of indolence and 
sloth. May I, therefore, not only be steadfast 
and immoveable, but alv^^ays abound in the work 
of the Lord ; fully satisfied that whatever I do 
for him will not be in vain. 



CHAPTER XV. 

SUPERSEDED AT THE MISSION RECALLED CONNECTING 

AND FOLLOWING INCIDENTS. 

July 26th. Brother Barnes has just returned 
from conference, and called to inform me that 
the bishop and missionary com.mittee were of 
the opinion that a male teacher, who could 
board with brother Gary — now living about a 
mile distant — would be less expensive than to 
hire a housekeeper, furnish provisions, and em- 
ploy me.* Accordingly, the Rev. J. M. Snyder, 
who, in consequence of bleeding at the lungs, 
IS unable to take charge of a circuit, has been 
employed to teach the mission-school. I was 
however desired, if willing, to remain till Mr. 
S. came, which I did ; for had I gone off 

* It may perhaps be proper for me to say, that money 
was never my object in coming to this place. The mis- 
sionary committee determined the amount of my compen- 
sation, without at all consulting me, which was to sister 
M. and myself one dollar per week each. We spent our 
whole time, in some way, for the benefit of this people : 
teaching the children, cutting and making garments, giv- 
ing instruction in housewifery, and the like. — L. R. 



MEMOIR or LUCY RICHARDS. 199 

suddenly and shut up the mission-house, the 
result might have been most unpleasant. The 
prospect of leaving was, on the whole, rather 
painful to my feelings ; for, really, I could not 
be satisfied that my work was done. Besides, 
the people manifested great solicitude for me 
to remain : they would say, '^ Don't like it you 
go away, it look so lonesome : guess not good 
to have no woman here ; sometime preachers 
come, no woman ; may be they hungry — no- 
body give them any thing to eat." 

Aug. 19th, Brother Snyder came on the 17th, 
and took charge of the school on the 18th, I, 
however, went in and spent a considerable por- 
tion of the forenoon of the next day ; for some 
of the children were so bashful that they w^ould 
hardly enter the school-house, and I had to use 
all my influence w4th them to persuade them 
to come. The eyes of my scholars followed 
me as I left, and I could plainly see them strug- 
gling with their rising emotions. Poor little 
things- — hov/ much I felt for them ! 

The first chief called just now to know when 
I designed to leave, and, turning to his brother, 
the preacher, requested him to appoint a meet- 
ing to bid me farewell. As I have witnessed 
their downcast looks when parting with their 
friends, the thoughts of such a meeting are 
almost overpowering to my feelings. May the 
God of all grace and comfort grant me his sup- 
porting presence ! 

I find, on looking over my school list, that I 
have instructed eighty native scholars, from 



200 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

three years old up to twenty =eight ; have taught 
eighteen to knit and sew ; ten to write ; six the 
first principles of arithmetic ; six to read quite 
intelligibly in the English Reader ; seventeen 
in the New Testament ; fourteen in easy les- 
sons in the spelling-book ; and nearly all to 
spell in one or two syllables. I know not how 
many marriages have been solemnized in the 
Big Orchard party since I have resided among 
them ; but quite n number, several of the par- 
ties to which were my scholars. There have 
been fifteen deaths, mostly of infants or small 
children : tv/o of the deceased were my scho- 
lars ; the eldest about fifteen and a member of 
society. As he lived at a distance, and w-as 
buried during my absence, I did not learn the 
particulars of his sickness and death. Peter 
Day, a young man lately married, died of the 
consumption. He should probably be regarded 
as the first fruits of the work of God at Onei- 
da. He bore his sickness, which v/as long 
and painful, with Christian patience and forti- 
tude ; and a few minutes before he breathed 
his last, said to his brothers, " Don't weep for 
me— I am going home : all that I am sorry for 
is, that you have not got good, so as to go home 
with me." He not only died but was buried on 
the same day of the week as my brother J., 
though eight years after, which brought the 
circumstances attending the death of the latter 
very distinctly and vividly to my recollection. 

Tuesday 29th. Had some hard struggles 
through the day yesterday, and in the evening 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 201 

took a sort of formal leave of my red friends. 
Grace enabled me to conquer my feelings far 
beyond what I anticipated. How good the 
Lord is ! May I never cease to praise him. 

This morning some of the more devoted sis- 
ters came in to give me their thanks and their 
blessings: the interview was, indeed, more 
than I could well bear : the Lord comfort and 
sustain them, and grant us a final union of spi- 
rits in " the regions of pleasure and love." 
After a very agreeable visit at the house of 
brother Barnes, and attending a very lively and 
profitable meeting with the native brethren at 
the Castle, I returned once more to the house 
of my dear parents, where I found all well. 

Oct. 16th. I have spent the time since I re- 
turned rather agreeably in journeying, visiting 
friends, &c. ; but have, at the same time, pass- 
ed through some pretty severe mental conflicts. 
Occasionally my distress has been great, and I 
could find no rest only in giving up myself 
anew to God, and in a full determination to 

" Leave to his sovereign sway 
To choose and to command." 

To-day I am more than ordinarily '' cast down." 
Still I '' hope in God," and believe I shall yet 
** praise him." I sometimes think that, judging 
from my former exercises, the way will soon 
open before me, and that my ardent desire to 
be useful to my fellow-candidates for " immor- 
tality and eternal life" will in some way be 
gratified. Lord, I am in thy hands : deal with 
thine handmaid as seemeth thee good. 



202 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

Nov. 23d. Have just received a letter from 
the Rev. Mr. Case, superintendent of the In- 
dian missions in Canada, now confined by ill 
health in Utica, requesting me to meet him at 
that place to-morrow morning, and, if consist- 
ent, as soon as his health will permit, go on 
with him as a school teacher to the field of his 
labors. Cheerfully would I have accepted 
this offer had 1 been in a condition to do so ; 
but, having been sick for more than a fortnight 
with a violent influenza, my way is, for the pre- 
sent, quite hedged up. There may, however, 
be a special providence in this call : at any rate, 
I will leave myself in the hands of God to be 
disposed of according to his sovereign and 
gracious pleasure. 

Dec. 5th. I remain very feeble and my flesh 
is gradually wasting away, but feel very thank- 
ful that I am beneath the paternal roof at this 
inclement season, where I am blest with every 
desirable comfort, of which thousands, under 
similar circumstances, are wholly deprived. 
The language of my soul is, " \Vhat shall T 
render unto the Lord for all his benefits ?" 
May it ever be " a perfect heart, and a willing 
mind" cheerfully to obey him in all things. 

Jan. 1st, 1832. My health is much better, and 
I have found it both pleasant and profitable to 
hear the word preached to-day for the first time 
in eight v/eeks. But I am sorry our society 
prospers no more : I think I never saw it in a 
more languid state. There is a painful lack of 
discipline among us : class and prayer meet- 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS, 203 

iiigs, if attended at all, are but poorly attended. 
How do the ways of Zion mourn ! O that hin- 
derances to the prosperity of religion may be 
speedily removed ! 

During my afflictions I have enjoyed much 
inward consolation. God has been my sun and 
shield. O how undeserving, and yet how 
blest ! 

Feb. 3d. I had been planning several visits, 
a few days since, when I felt an inward check, 
as if my duty lay in a different direction. The 
impression was so strong, that I resolved, for 
the present, to suspend the execution of my de- 
signs, and wait the developments of Provi- 
dence. Last evening I received a letter from 
the superintendent of the Oneida mission, inform- 
ing me that the health of brother Snyder is so 
far recovered that he is disposed to resume his 
ministerial labours, and inviting me again to 
take charge of the mission-school. To-day 
Mr. S. has been to see me on the subject, and 
I have concluded, should my health continue to 
improve, to take his place in about tvv'o weeks. 

18th. Left my father's yesterday, dined with 
brother B. at Yernon Centre, and reached the 
mission-house between three and four o'clock, 
P. M., "where I was received with great cordi- 
ality. To-day several of my old friends, their 
countenances beaming with pleasure, have been 
in to see me and bid me welcome. They speak 
in high terms of Mr. S., but still want some 
one to teach them domestic economy and such 
other kindred branches as would fall more pro- 



204 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

perly within the range of female instruction. 
And now, Lord, help me to give myself wholly 
to thee, and, under thee, to the improvement of 
this dear people. 

March 15th. I have reason to " sing of 
mercy" no less than of "judgment." After stop- 
ping the crevices in the old school-house with 
rags, and making it as comfortable as I could, I 
commenced school, agreeably to my calculations, 
on the 20th ultimo, and, with the exception of 
one day, have continued it to the present time. 
Though I have had some cold, my health is as 
good as could be expected. In our dwelling 
there is but one door that will come together : 
that being an outside one, we have hung up 
blankets, and comforted ourselves Avith the re- 
flection that it will not be winter always. Still, 
I could not help, now and then, contrasting my 
situation with the one I had so recently left ; 
and yet we are far better off than many of our 
neighbours. The children appear anxious to 
learn, and I am so abundantly blessed in endea- 
vouring to instruct them, that I am quite com- 
pensated for any little inconveniences I expe- 
rience. The society is much engaged; the 
same spirit of union prevails as when I left 
six months since, and much of the divine pre- 
sence is still realized among the members. 

The Rev. Messrs. Case and Barnes, and 
John Sunday, (the latter a native from Upper 
Canada,) came here yesterday ; the two former 
just after I had closed school. I however call- 
ed in the children, when some of them read 



iMEMOlR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 205 

and others recited. In the evening brother 
Case preached, and John Sunday exhorted. 

Sunday, March 19th. A very tedious day : 
but, however blustering, we went about three 
miles to the church formerly occupied by the 
Episcopalians, now by the Methodists, where^ 
we heard the Rev. Mr. Case preach a very ex- 
cellent discourse from 1 Tim. iv, 10, "For 
therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, 
because we trust in the living God, who is the 
Saviour of all men, specially of those that be- 
lieve." In consequence of the storm very few 
were present. I should myself have suffered 
much had I not borrowed an Indian blanket ; 
for just as I had got my hood and coat on, I step- 
ped to the door to see if I could get a ride in 
the sleigh of a brother then passing, and in my 
hurry forgot to take my mantle. The circum- 
stance, however, by no means operated to my 
disadvantage among my red friends, who thought 
the blanket became me exceedingly ! After we 
had dined I heard D. J. preach in Indian : 
stayed in class : not another white person pre- 
sent. But " there is no respect of persons 
with God :" my soul was happy, while theirs 
seemed filled to overflowing. In the evening 
several came in, to whom I read the Scriptures, 
and answered questions. What a delightful 
task to instruct the ignorant and direct the 
inquiring ! AYe closed the evening with a prayer 
meeting, conducted partly in Mohawk, partly 
in 'Chippewa, and partly in English. Thus 
have I spent one more holy sabbath, profitably 



Il 206 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

to myself, and I hope in some measure usefully 
10 this interesting people. 

As John Sunday stayed here several days, 
while brother Case went on an excursion still 
further to the west, I had a good opportunity to 
observe his general conduct and character. 
He spent his time either in visiting, attending 
meetings, chopping wood at our door, reading 
the Scriptures in school, or studying them at 
home, or in the woods pouring out his soul in 
prayer to God. One day, as he had been absent 
a long time, I made some inquiry, supposing he 
had been out visiting : " No," said he, " I felt 
very bad, as though I had a great work to do, 
and I have been away beyond that great hill in 
the woods to pray. You know v/hen folks 
clear up their land they cut down some big 
trees, and they want help to roll up the great 
logs : just so I want help. I can't lift alone, 
and I have been out to ask Jesus Christ to 
help me ; and now I feel some stronger." 
Then taking down my Bible from the mantel- 
piece, and clasping it to his bosom, he said, " O 
how I love this good book !" 

He told me that six years ago he understood 
only three words of English, which were, 
" pint" — " quart" — " whiskey." Having been 
drunk at Salmon River, in Canada, when he 
got a little over the paroxysm he went to pro- 
cure more strong drink ; but the trader, though 
an intemperate man himself, would let him have 
no more ; and told him he must go to Belle- 
ville— a distance of some six or seven miles — 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 207 

and hear that Indian talk, for he had something 
good to sav to Indian. Accordinoiy he went 
and got his blanket, and then hired another In- 
dian to carry him in his sleigh ; but when he 
arrived there the meeting had begun, and the 
house was so full that he could not get in : so 
he sat down on a pile of wood, and remained 
till the close of the meeting, though he could 
hear nothing. When the meeting ended, Peter 
Jones (the preacher) came out and shook hands 
with him, but said nothing. In the eveuing 
the same individual preached again, when Sun- 
day went in and heard, for the first time in his 
life, the gospel of Christ ; and so deep was the 
impression it made upon his mind, that he slept 
but little that night. The next morning he 
heard him again, then went home, thinking a 
great deal about the good v/ord, and told his 
family what he had heard ; and so bad did he 
feel, that for days and nights he scarcely slept 
or ate. Alter this he thought it his duty to go 
round and tell the other Indians they must be 
good and drink no more whiskey. He went 
accordingly. When he returned he thought he 
must pray with his family, but felt so bad he 
could say but little. Still he " cried a great 
deal," and went often into the woods to pray. 
By and by the man that carried him to Belle- 
ville began to pray, and his own wife also got 
down upon her knees. About four weeks after 
his first visit to Belleville, he went again to 
that place, and heard Mr. Case preach : at the 
close of the meeting, Mr. C. spoke to him 



I 



208 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

through an mterpreter, and asked him hovv^ he 
felt ? And on his replying, " Very bad,^' encour- 
aged him to persevere in seeking the Lord, 
assuring him God would be found of him. It 
was not, however, till after the lapse of four 
months that he obtained the knowledge of sal- 
vation by the remission of his sins ; though he 
continued all this time to exhort others, and was 
thus instrumental in leading many souls to Christ 
before he himself was made a new creature. 

When Sunday v/as about leaving Canada, 
some of his friends asked him where he was 
going ? He replied, " Quebec," not telling 
them he was coming quite into the States. He 
said he knew not what they would think when 
they found he had been here. " But," said he, 
*' when I go back I must tell them the words of 
God : he didn't say, Go and preach only to the 
king's subjects, but, ' Go ye into all the world, 
and preach the gospel to every creature.'' " 

March 31st. Yesterday went with my house- 
keeper to see one of our sick sisters, living 
quite a distance in the woods, and was happy 
to find her fast recovering. I carried her 
some bread, and as soon as her babe saw it, he 
reached out his little hand, into which I put a 
small piece : the little fellow devoured it with 
the greatest avidity, looking at me with an ex- 
pression of gratitude that cannot be described. 

We then went to make a call at the widow 
Scanadore's. She was not at home, having 
gone in quest of provisions, but we found her 
venerable father and mother. The old woman 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 209 

was out of doors gathering chips for the night, 
but, on seeing us, she left her basket and ask- 
ed us to go in. Recollecting, however, her 
former kindness in picking up sticks for us 
when we were destitute of wood and candles, 
I assisted her in filling her basket. We then 
went in, and found the old man lying in one 
corner, having nothing on his person but an old 
shirt, vest, and pair of leggins, with a piece of 
an old calico quilt wrapped about his middle, 
one end of which passed over a stick of wood 
that served him for a pillow ! Such had been 
his clothing during the severity of a cold winter ! 
By the side of him lay a cold potatoe and a 
piece of Indian dumpling — ^his only food ! ! 
The poor old man seemed very glad to see us, 
and w^hen I asked him if he still loved Jesus 
and delighted in praying to him, he very em- 
phatically said, " Yes,'' and raised himself partly 
up to talk with me. After a little time spent 
in conversation and prayer, I returned quite 
fatigued, but resolved to do something for the 
relief of these aged sufferers. At class in the 
evening I was not a little comforted. O how 
good the Lord is to me I I daily feel the ne- 
cessity of living nearer to him, that I may be 
the better prepared for usefulness. 

April 5th. Last night, sister B. having gone 
on a visit to her brother's, I stayed alone ; but 
I was not at all lonesome, being busily employ- 
ed in making some pillows for the old people 
named above, which I filled with straw from 
mv bed : and since school to-day% accompanied 
14 



210 MEMOIR OFl^LUCY RICHARDS. 

by one of their grand-children, I have been 
to carry them, together with a blanket and 
some other articles. After crossing streams, 
and logs, and snow-drifts, I at length reached 
the place almost utterly exhausted ; but I soon 
forgot this when I saw the relief I had afforded 
them, and especially their uplifted eyes to 
heaven, and heard them express their gratitude 
to God, and invoke his blessings upon me both 
in Indian and broken English. Just as I was 
going to leave, the good old woman pointing 
the way I had come, said, " This road not good.^' 
Then, pointing upward, said, " Yo yanby ka 
ronhyagonton da," i. e., Good to heaven always, 
I returned alone, just as '^ the king of day" with 
his own peculiar grandeur was retiring behind 
the hills, and clothing the tops of the trees, as 
well as the light floating clouds of the evening, 
from his own vermilion wardrobe — and was 
seldom more happy. Nature herself seemed 
to chime in with my feelings, and I scarcely 
knew how I got over the ground. Went to 
meeting in the evening, where God was emi- 
nently present to own and bless his people. 

15th. To-day visited two sick persons; one 
an aged chief who experienced religion about 
a year since. Though his sufferings were 
great, he appeared resigned and happy : the 
other an infant, and an orphan child. As I 
entered the house where the latter lay, I found 
a number of pious females singing a hymn to 
a very plaintive and impressive air. The 
mother was deeply affected. I endeavoured to 



MELjMOIR of LUCV RICHARDS. 211 

console her by telling her v/hat Jesus had said 
respecting little children, and soon she became 
quite composed. After praying with them I 
left, but fear they understood but little. I 
sometimes feel a great desire to understand 
their language, that I may be the more useful 
to them. But then how little do I know ! and 
I am too constantly employed to admit of my 
learning much more. 

J. C, a neighbour of ours, and a very pious 
and. devoted Christian, came in one day and 
said to me with great earnestness, '• What 
makes Universalist ? He got larning, I suppose. 
He read a great deal. He read all the Bible. 
So he say. He tell Indian, ' No hell !' I don't 
believe what he say. Indian very wicked : he 
always know there be hell. If he wicked 
when he die, then he go there. May be Uni- 
versalist o'o there : then I oruess he believe hell." 

Some time after this J. C, with, one of the 
chiefs, called on this Universalist, when he ad- 
dressed the chief as follows: '-Well Jacob, 
how do you do — pretty good yet?" "Yes," 
replied the chief, " pretty good — I like it." 
" But," said the Universalist, " there is no hell : 
I can read the Bible as well as any minister." 
"What makes so many people go to meeting 
then ?" interrogated the chief. " Because," 
responded the Universalist, " the minister wants 
to see a great many people together, and tell 
them a fine story." '• Well," said Jacob, " if 
you can read all the Bible, I suppose you have 
read about the rich man and Lazarus : and what 



212 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

has become of the rich man?" The Universal- 
ist was silent, and I have never since heard of 
his troubling the Indians. 

May 8th. My mind has been variously 
and rather singularly exercised for several days 
past. Sometimes I feel very cheerful ; at 
others a fearful foreboding of something to 
come. And yet my mind rests on the promises 
of God, and I feel that I could cheerfully resign 
myself into his hand, soul and body, for time 
and eternity. This very day 1 feel that Christ 
is all and in all ; and whether I live long, or suffer 
much, or die suddenly, I do know, blessed be 
God, that I am pardoned and accepted through 
the blood of the everlasting covenant. Still, in- 
explicable as it may seem, my distress at times 
is almost utterly overpowering. Why or where- 
fore, I cannot tell. There is nothing in my 
circumstances, either inward or outward, to 
which I can attribute it. But in the midst of 
all I continue to look to God, and most sub- 
missively say, 

" Through foe and water brmg 
Into the wealthy place : 
And teach me the new song to smg, 
When perfected in grace." 

June 10th. My mind has been much more 
tranquil and free from anxiety since I last 
wrote ; and I have been much drawn out in 
prayer for a deeper work of grace in my own 
soul, and for the blessing of God to rest upon 
my labours in school. For what is a know- 
ledge of letters, of the arts and sciences, Avith- 



iMEMOIR or LUCV RICHARDS. 213 

out a knowledge of sins forgiven ? A mere 
empty pageant. But the union of both is a 
substantial acquisition, and prepares one not 
only for a useful life, but for a happy death, and 
glorious immortality. 

A succession of colds very materially affect- 
ing my lungs, has obliged me to discontinue my 
school for a short time ; so that I have been at 
liberty to visit my parents, and enjoy for a few- 
days the society of my old friends. The relaxa- 
tion has been profitable to my soul as Avell as 
body. Some new arrangements in regard to 
the native schools have been in contemplation, 
which have occasioned me a degree of pain 
and anxiety ; but finally all has been settled to 
my perfect satisfaction. Blessed be God for all 
his mercies. 

July 30th. To-day we have had a severe 
thunder-storm, accompanied with hail and rain, 
together with a strong north-west wind, wdiich 
has levelled fences, prostrated corn-fields, and 
broken many panes of glass. The mission 
premises have shared somewhat largely in the 
general ruin. What a mercy that I yet live ! 
Surely, " He who maketh the clouds his chari- 
ot, and walketh upon the wdngs of the wind," 
has been my "shield and buckler." Sister B. 
having gone to meeting, I was left alone, and 
had to exert myself exceedingly to keep the 
excited elements from bursting in the door, &:c. 
But my soul, cahnly stayed upon God, w^as 
kept in perfect peace. Indeed, I have seldom 
enjoyed such elevation of feeling, being strongly 



214 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

inclined to vie with the elements in shouting 
the praises of my Almighty Friend. I had 
just been reading a sermon written by the Rev. 
John Dempster, on the shortness of time, which 
perhaps more fully prepared me for the storm. 
But no thanks are due to my natural courage ; 
for all is of grace. 

Aug. 21st. Have just received a letter from 
my parents, advising and requesting me to 
come home, as the cholera is in our very neigh- 
bourhood. Under these circumstances they 
they think it not safe for sister B. and myself 
to remain here alone, and that we had better go 
among our friends. This indeed would be 
very gratifying to my natural feelings ; but I 
cannot feel justified in so doing at present, and 
have written to them accordingly. No doubt 
my parents feel deeply for my safety, and I 
would cheerfully obey their call if I thought 
Heaven would approve. But I must wait yet 
a little longer : it may be for the trial of my faith : 
or possibly I shall fall a victim to the dreadful 
malady. Well, be it so : 1 had much rather 
die at my post, and have this frail tabernacle 
deposited on yonder side-hill to mingle with 
the dust of our red friends, than dishonour God, 
the supreme object of my affections. 

Sept. 7th. Being quite unwell near the close 
of the last month, and supposing my symptoms 
to indicate the cholera, I judged it prudent to 
return to my father's. Availing myself of an 
easy carriage, I accordingly did so. But as 
my health appeared much better, it was my 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 215 

design to return to the mission this afternoon. 
In this, however, I have been disappointed ; 
for in the morning I was again taken quite ill : 
and though I succeeded in abating the violence 
of the attack, so that on the following sabbath I 
was much better, yet at about eleven o'clock at 
night I awoke in great distress. All my symp- 
toms indicated a violent attack of the disease 
just named. I called my sister M. and cousin 
E., who arose immediately and helped me 
down stairs, by which time my limbs grew 
cold, and it was with great difficulty I breathed. 
Though conscious of my danger I felt perfectly 
calm, and directed them to give me first a hot 
camphor sling, and then red pepper tea, to 
bathe my feet in warm water, and to rub my 
limbs with flannel made v/et with strong vinegar 
and pepper, which, with the heat of a large fire, 
soon restored circulation and produced perspi- 
ration, when I became easy. But had I not, 
under the blessing of God, obtained speedy 
relief, it is not at all probable I should have seen. 
the light of another day. Still my soul was 
exceedingly happy, and I silently gave glory to 
the God of heaven. I continued to improve ; so 
that on the succeeding Thursday I retm'ned 
in company with my mother to the mission. 
We reached the mission-house between four 
and five o'clock in the afternoon, which we 
found locked up, and my house-keeper was gone. 
We were exceedingly fatigued, but we got into 
the house^ and took up our lodgings for the 
nightj though I slept but little. After breakfast 



216 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

my mother went in pursuit of sister B. ; but as 
the natives with whom the latter had left word, 
did not understand well enough to give us 
suitable information, she returned about noon 
without her, bringing, however, a lovely little 
girl, Maryett, the daughter of the Rev. George 
Gary, to stay with me. As soon as we had 
dined she started off again, but did not return 
with sister B. till just at dark, and I am sure if 
I was ever glad to see my mother it was then ; 
for during her absence I was again taken ill 
with decided symptoms of the cholera. What 
a mercy I was not entirely alone ! The dear 
little girl, just named, said she would not leave 
me if I did have the cholera, unless it was to 
go and get a squaw to help take care of me ; 
*' For," said she, " I can do any thing for you 
you will direct ; and now do. Miss Richards, 
lie down, for you look so distressed." The 
kindness of this child, only about ten years old, 
has left an impression on my mind time can 
never efface. May she never want a friend to 
administer to her necessities, or give her the 
cup of consolation in the time of sorrow ! 



CHAPTER XVL 

SICKNESS LEAVES THE MISSION FINALLY JOUKNAL 

CONTINUED. 

Sept. 22d. Making use of the remedies we 
had at command, I was relieved from the dis- 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 217 

tress noticed on the 7tli instant, but so exceed- 
ingly dubious was the state of ray health that it 
was judged best for me to return immediately 
to the house of my father. So great was my 
distress, however, that I was very fearful I 
should not be able to reach home. But being 
divinely supported we arrived the next day at 
about two o'clock, P. M., when I felt unspeak- 
able gi'atitude for a bed on which to rest a 
pained and wearied body. Remained very 
feeble till the following Monday, when I had a 
second attack, though a less severe one than 
the former. To-day, though very feeble, and 
able to sit up but a part of the time, my pros- 
pect of returning health is rather more favoura- 
ble. I am kept from anxiety, being fully satis- 
fied if the Lord has any thing for me to do, 
that the strength requisite for the accomplish- 
ment of it will, in due time, be imparted : there- 
fore I am willing to be active, or lie perfectly 
passive in his hands. 

Oct. 30th. My health having considerably 
improved, I judged it my duty once more 
to return to the mission : having been absent 
just nine week«. Miss Mary Mahan, a pjous 
young lady of the Presbyterian order, was 
employed to take my place in the school 
during my absence. Though she had taught 
only about four v/eeks, yet she had become 
so much attached to the scholars that she 
felt much in parting with them. In the even- 
ing we went to meeting, and heard James 
Johnson preach most powerfully in Indian. It 



218 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

was indeed a refreshing time. Love and union 
still prevail amongthis dear people, and by conse- 
quence the w^ork of God is still on the advance. 
Nov. 24th. Though my health has not been 
quite as good as usual since my late attack, yet 
I am thankful in having another opportunity to 
record the loving-kindness of the Lord. Per- 
haps indeed it is hardly reasonable to expect 
good health, especially while I have so much 
upon my hands. Besides my labour in school 
and fitting clothing for the children, I have had 
to take the immediate oversight of putting my 
house in repair for winter. But 

" Labour is rest, and pain is sweet, 
If thou, my God, art here." 

On Monday I experienced an unexpected kind- 
ness at the hand of sister Gary in the reception 
of a most desirable article of provision ; just 
what I had been thinking would relish, but had 
not the means to procure. O how I blessed 
her while I partook of her bounty! Did the 
wealthy but consider how much they have it in 
their power to do good in this way, the press- 
ing wants of many a poor missionary would be 
speedily relieved. Hov/ever, I am generally 
contented with such things as I have. It is not 
my desire, by any means, to fare sumptuously. 
No, indeed. My sole design in coming to the 
place was, to he useful to the souls and bodies 
of my fellow-creatures. And now, though I 
continue feeble, I attend to the duties of my 
school with unmingled pleasure. 

Dee. 12th. Since writing the above I have 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 219 

been taken more unwell, and have been obliged 
to discontinue my school. Sometimes I fear 
I shall have to leave for the winter — if not 
for ever. Painful thought, especially to leave 
at this season of the year, when the natives 
so much need ray aid in fitting garments, and 
the like. But the Lord will provide. When 
he takes care of us we are in safe hands. I 
shall probably remain a few days, and then, if 
I do not feel better, leave for home. 

Friday 21st. I am able to sit up but little, 
having a regular fever and other threatening 
symptoms. Under these circumstances, it is 
thought, by the head chief and others, I had bet- 
ter leave, and accordingly I have determined to 
do so to-morrow morning. 

Saturday morning. As it was not generally 
known that I was going away, but few came in 
to take their leave of me. Some tears were 
shed. Indeed, it would be hardly possible to 
describe the emotions with which I left this, 
consecrated spot — perhaps to return no more for 
ever. Havino- eno^aoed Miss Mahan to take 
my place till I shall see how it will go with me, 
I started for home, being conveyed by brother 
Cornelius, a native, and arrived there a little 
before night ; where I found all well. 

Dec. 29th. What a blessing in the time of 
sickness to be beneath the paternal roof ! 
Though probably the foundation of my com- 
plaint is not broken up, yet I am a little more 
comfortable. I feel a heavenly calm within, 
and sweetly repose myself on the bosom of my 



220 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

Beloved. While meditating to-day on the fol- 
lowing passage I was greatly comforted : " The 
work of righteousness shall be peace ; and the 
effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance 
for ever." The consciousness of doing, and of 
having done, right, brings a present "peace" to 
the mind, of which the wicked have no adequate 
conception : and then the blessed anticipation 
of " quietness and assurance for ever," Surely 
this is my inheritance. 

Jan. 2d, 1833. Yesterday, pursuant to invita- 
tion, all my father's family met at the house of 
my brother-in-law, Mr. J. C. When I reflected 
that, in all probability, it was the last time the 
whole family would be together, and especially 
that some of them, as I had reason to fear, 
were not prepared to die, my mind was deeply 
solemn and my heart much affected. I was led 
to pray with more than usual earnestness for 
the conversion of my brother-in-law, and have 
reason to believe he felt something of divine 
influence. He is naturally kind and afl'ection- 
ate, and it seems he needs nothing but " the one 
thing needful" to make him happy and useful. 
O, if I could see Jiira enjoying this before I go 
hence, my last v/ish with respect to him would 
be realized. 

March 12th. Some of our red brethren from 
Oneida have been to visit me, and have brought 
a letter from Miss Mahan. The intelligence is 
most gratifying. She has succeeded in esta- 
blishing a Sunday school, which I would have 
been forward to do if I had had suflicient strength 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 221 

and a little more help. Between forty and fifty 
scholars are already attached to it ! The Lord 
bless them. I have no greater joy, except the 
peace of God in my own soul, than to hear of 
the prosperity of the poor Indians. The mis- 
sionary flame still glows in my heart, and 
though I would not be in the way of others, yet 
I sometimes cherish a faint hope that I shall so 
far recover my health as to be able to return to 
my much-loved employment. But in this, as 
in every thing else relating to my destiny, the 
will of the Lord be done. Should he see best 
to continue my afflictions, I trust through grace 
cheerfully to submit. 

24th. I am still spared, and have been able 
to read more to-day than usual, w^hich I esteem 
a great privilege. Besides the word of God, 
several interesting tracts have come under my 
notice, the reading of which has given a new 
impulse to my religious feelings. Sometimes I 
think I never had a higher appreciation of my 
spiritual advantages than at present, and yet, 
alaSj how little I enjoy ! 

'• O Jesus, raise me higher !" 

Have just heard that good old father West is 
no more. He died happy in God, on the 12th 
of March last, at the house of his son. Dr. A. 
West, of Binghampton, Broome county, with 
whom he has lived for several years. O how 
it makes my soul rejoice, when I think how 
many precious friends of mine have got safe 
hom^ to heaven! Yes, many who prayed and 



222 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

laboured for my salvation are now waiting to 
welcome me into everlasting habitations. Well, 
thank God, I feel that I am on the way, and 
that after a few more conflicts I shall join that 
much-loved company, who have come out of 
great tribulation, and have washed their robes, 
and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 
April 6th. At the request of the preacher in 
charge, our society met to-day for a kind of 
general class. Being myself too unwell to at- 
tend, I thought it might be well for me to enter 
into a close examination of my own heart at 
home. And, first, do I love God ? 1 do : I 
have not the least doubt of it. But, do I love 
him as I ought, as is both my duty and privi- 
lege ? I fear not : indeed, I am quite sensible 
I come far short of it. What then am I re- 
solved to do ? By the help of God I am re- 
solved to do better, to consecrate all my powers 
to him and his blessed service. The Lord 
mercifully strengthen me in my purposes. And 
now, do I love the children of God ? I have no 
doubt of it, — but am painfully impressed I have 
not been as faithful as I should have been in 
admonishing and reproving them, when I saw 
them out of the way : my own weakness and 
liability to err have operated as a sort of re- 
straint. The Lord forgive me wherein I have 
come short in this matter. Do I love poor sin- 
ners ? In some measure, though I fear I do 
not at all times realize their danger as I should ; 
for if so, I should continually urge them to re- 
pentance, and to make sure work for eternity. 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 223 

God of love, help me for the time to come to 
be more faithful, and may I yet be the humble 
instrument of bringing some poor wanderer to 
the knowledge of the truth. 

Sunday 21st. Last Thursday the corpse of 
Mrs. K., who died of the consumption, perfectly 
resigned to the divine will, was carried by; and 
to-day the procession has just passed with the 
remains of deacon Bishop, an aged and infirm 
man, but an exemplary Christian. I have been 
led to make the solemn inquiry, Who next shall 
be summoned to appear before God ? Merciful 
Father, is it I ? It is not improbable : I know 
of no one more likely to fall beneath the pale 
horse and his rider ; for I have suffered much 
during the last twenty-four hours, and my 
health is constantly on the decline. But in my 
greatest distress I feel unspeakable consolation 
in trusting in God, and relying upon his precious 
promises ; so that if referred to my choice to 
live or die, I could only say, " Thy will be 
done." I have proved grace sufficient in a 
thousand forms of affliction, and can now rest 
assured that I shall not be forsaken, even if 
God should see fit to inflict still greater suffer- 
ings. 

28th. I am a little better, but I know not 
what a day may bring forth. When in my 
greatest distress a query often arises in my 
mind, whether, if I could be entirely healed of 
my infirmities, I would be willing to go again 
and instruct the Indians ? I think I should, for 
I feel the missionary spirit " like a fire shut up 



I 



224 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

in my bones," although deeply humbled under 
a sense of my unworthiness, having done so 
little in so good a cause. But the great Head 
of the church has a perfect right to choose 
whom he pleases to do his work, and he can 
easily lay aside an unprofitable instrument like 
myself, and select another; or he can restore 
me, after I am sufficiently tried, and employ me 
again. I would, therefore, cheerfully submit to 
his wise disposal, whether the result be life or 
death, knowing that he cannot err. 

May 25th. Have just received a most wel- 
come epistle from my cousin, Dr. J. W. R., 
containing his views on the subject of missions, 
accompanied with ten dollars collected by him- 
self from friends at White Creek, to assist in 
defraying expenses when I was employed at 
the Oneida mission. The contribution afforded 
me great relief; and O may Heaven's most 
precious blessing rest upon every donour ! 

Still very feeble, being able to sit up only a 
part of the time. But all is ordered in truth 
and uprightness. I could easily " borrow trou- 
ble," as the phrase is, and am indeed obliged to 
resist temptation. May the Lord give me pa- 
tience to suffer, grace to improve, and a full 
preparation to meet every providential dispen- 
sation ; and then all will be well. 

August 13th. My afflictions increase, but my 
consolations in Christ proportionately abound, 
and I feel there is nothing like religion. To- 
day the class leader from H., brother W. Buck- 
lev, his wife, and sisters S. and W., have b^en 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 225 

to visit us. What a blessing to have praying 
associates, and to receive their godly admoni- 
tions ! We held sweet converse respecting the 
old land-marks, or highway of holiness, the 
perfect love of God filling the whole soul. 
Thank God, this doctrine remains good yet, 
and will till time shall end. O that we, as a 
people, may never lose sight of it ! 

Sunday, Aug. 18th. Wliile sitting alone this 
morning, being in severe bodily pain, I was 
meditating on the goodness of God, and felt a 
strong inclination to sing. Accordingly I com- 
menced, — 

" Lord, all I am is known to thee, 
In vain my soul would try ;" 

and before I had concluded one verse my soul 
was so filled with "joy in the Holy Ghost," 
that I could hardly refrain from shouting the 
praises of God. And w^hen I retired to my 
" closet" to pour out my soul to Him that " seetli 
in secret," O what a sacred nearness did I feel 
to the triune God I No wonder that my eyes 
poured forth tears of gratitude, and that my un- 
divided heart was drawn out in love. Lord, let 
my dear brethren, now gathered together in thy 
name, participate in the same holy blessing ! 

Aug. 29th. The Rev. B. G. Paddock and 
wife made us a short but pleasant visit to-day, 
which brought many past occurrences very dis- 
tinctly to my recollection. The first time I 
ever saw him was at the house of father Cooley, 
on that memorable day when I was baptized 
and joined society. Subsequently he was on 
15 



226 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

our circnit, and many a time preached the gos- 
pel to much profit in the dwelling of my father, 
I remember at one time when he preached, that 
the Spirit of God was so poured out that sin- 
ners cried aloud for mercy ; and that when he 
engaged in prayer for the daughter of deacon 
P., the latter came and told her she must go 
home. She reluctantly obeyed, but experienced 
religion soon after. About the same time an- 
other daughter of deacon P. found the Saviour 
imder my father's roof. The prejudices of the 
old gentleman, if not entirely removed, appear 
now to be materially abated, so that he occa- 
sionally meets with us with much apparent de- 
light. 

Thursday, October 3d. The forty-first an- 
niversary of my natural existence. As in the 
ease of Job, " wearisome nights" as well as 
days "are appointed unto me." I now have a 
regular fever, night sweats, a troublesome 
cough — in a word, the usual accompaniments 
of a confirmed hectic, the combined influence 
of which is gradually wasting my flesh and 
strength. Well, be it so. My prospect bright- 
ens beyond the tomb. I have not the least 
doubt that my peace is made with God through 
the blood of the everlasting covenant, and should 
I be soon called to pass "the dark valley and 
shadow of death, I will fear no evil." The first 
chapter of St. James's Epistle has strengthened 
me, especially when tempted to fear my pa- 
tience might not hold out under the great 
amount of bodily affliction through which I am 



ME.MOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 227 

called to pass. Precious book — the volume of 
divine inspiration ! 

October 22d. Though I have availed myself 
of the best medical advice within my reach, I 
am still sinking under the accumulating weight 
of bodily disease. Still I can adopt the lan- 
guage of the plaintive Jeremiah : " The Lord 
is my portion, saitli my soul, therefore will I 
hope in liim." TweiU^'-four years ago the day 
before yesterday I united with the church in 
ihis place ; and althouoh I feel like a mere 
cipher, it is a consolation to me to know that 
my name is still enrolled with the people of 
God. I hope to live and die in the Methodist 
Episcopal Church ; for I as firmly believe in 
its doctrine and discipline as ever: should 
others swerve from them, they must see to it : 
" to their own master they stand or fail." 

The Rev. Mr. Seys* is, I learn, appointed 
to the Oneida mission. He has moved into the 
mission-house wdiere 1 lived, and is to teach 
the school. This is, it seems to me, as it should 
be : live among the natives, and endeavour to 
do them all possible good. The Lord bless 
and prosper brother S. and his family in their 
arduous enterprise. 

Sunday, 27th. Though I have suffered much 
since I wrote last, I am more comfortable to- 
day, and feel that God is still near. I am able, 
now and then, to read a chapter in the blessed 
Bible, or some of our hymns, or a biographical 

* Now superintendent of the Methodist missions in 
Western Africa. — Ed. 



* 



228 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

sketcli, or missionary report from that excellent 
paper, the Christian Advocate and Journal ; all 
of which affords me matter of praise and thanks- 
giving to God. My attention has been particu- 
larly drawn to the words of the lamented Cox : 
"Let a thousand fall before Africa be given 
up !" I would rather say, Let the cause of mis- 
sions never ^ no never, be given up till all the 
nations of the earth are converted to God, even 
though millions should fall ere that era arrive. 

" 'Tis a blessed work but just begun, 

Onward with time O may it run, 

Till time shall cease to be." 

Nov. 28th. My disease continues to wear upon 
me, and I sometimes feel such depression of 
spirits that I am tempted to think I am not 
wholly resigned to the will of God. If, how- 
ever, I am not, I am greatly deceived. What 
though I have not as much elevation of feeling 
as at some former times, I am still enabled to 
exercise an unshaken confidence in God ; a 
confidence, of which, I am persuaded, all the 
powers of darkness will not be able to deprive 
me. 

" Courage, my soul, on God rely, 

Deliv'rance soon will come ; 
A thousand ways has Providence 

To bring believers home." 

30th. I have passed a very restless night, but 
feel a sweet calm throughout my soul. Surely 
the Lord is with me in the furnace. Yesterday 
Dr. M. called in to see me. After a little 
examination, he asked me if I thought I should 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 229 

recover ? I told him I could not reasonably 
expect it. He said my disease was a very flat- 
tering one, and tliat sometimes those who were 
afflicted with it thought themselves recovering 
till they were gone ! " Can you, said he," say 
with the apostle Paul, ' For me to live is Christ, 
and to die is gain T " What an unspeakable 
consolation that I could answer in the affirma- 
tive. And how dilferently did I feel on his de- 
parture from what I did a few days since when 
a friend came in and said, " How do you do ?" 
and, before I had time to answer him, proceed- 
ed, " Why are you not up washing ? I do not 
see but that your countenance looks as well as 
it has done for a long time." Now these words 
grieved me to the heart, though, as he has since 
assured me, they were doubtless spoken ironi- 
cally. His object was, in thus speaking, to 
suppress his own feelings and raise mine ; but 
I requested him never to attempt it again in 
such a manner. A soft Avord or a kind look, 
accompanied with a comforting passage of 
Scripture, will do more to cheer and gladden 
the heart of the afflicted disciple than the most 
exquisite humour that was ever conceived. 

Sunday evening, Dec. 1st. The Rev. George 
White called at our house this afternoon, as he 
was too unwell to go to his appointment ; and, 
like a faithful minister of the New Testament, 
inquired into the state of my soul : a practice 
which, I am sorry to say, is too frequently 
neglected at the present day. And when he 
prayed, the Holy Spirit was so poured forth, 



230 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

that, '^ ere I was aware, my soul was made like 
the chariots of Ammi-nadib," and I was con- 
strained to glorify God with a loud voice. May 
the useful life of brother W. be long spared, 
and may he be a great blessing to the church 
in general, and to the circuit in particular ! 

Dec. 29th. Through the tender mercy of 
God I have been able to read more within the 
last three weeks than during two months be- 
fore. Yes, I have had quite a feast in reading 
the first volume of Doctor A. Clarke's Life ; for 
almost every page w^ould call forth the tear of 
sympathy or the smile of joy. Good and great 
man, he now rests from his labours and suffer- 
ings, and his works do follow him ! And while 
I admire the spirit of the author, as well as the 
style in which the book is written, I would ad- 
dress an ardent petition to the throne of grace 
that I may, according to my humble capacity, 
follow him as he followed Christ ; for it was, 
in my apprehension, his deep piety, no less than 
his extraordinary literary attainments, that dis- 
tinguished his character. 

January 1st, 1834, (Wednesday evening, six 
o'clock.) I have been reviewing my past life, 
and am humbled as in the dust under a sense 
of my unw^orthiness. Not a few within the 
circle of my acquaintance, who a year since 
w^ere healthy, active, and vigorous, have gone 
the way of all the earth. And wherefore am I 
spared ? Is it not that I may glorify thee, O 
thou Most High ? Gracious Redeemer, help me, 
henceforthj to answer the great end of my being! 



MEMOIR OF LUCY laCHARDS. 231 

I have been confined to the house a little 
more than four months, and at times suffer 
much ; but how little in comparison with what 
my Saviour suffered for me : and yet I have 
sometimes been reminded of his agony, when 
^' his sweat was as it were great drops of blood 
falling down to the ground." Still, if I know 
my own heart, I am willing to live and suffer, 
or to suffer and die ; only so that God may be 
glorified, and my salvation finally secured. 

This morning I commenced reading the first 
chapter in Genesis, at noon the first Psalm, and 
at evening the first chapter in St. Matthew's 
Gospel ; and, in the same progressive order, I 
design-, should my life be spared, to read my 
Bible through. How manifold are thy mercies, 
O Lord God Ahnighty] May I never cease 
praising thee ! 

As our Christian Advocate and Journal did 
not come this week, we borrowed one. My sister 
has just been reading the good news, especially 
that which relates to the prosperity of the 
Oneida mission. Not only are the schools again, 
flourishing, but the pagan Indians are turning 
to the Lord ; in view of which my soul rejoices 
exceedingly. 

25th. I am some better, yet in my most com- 
fortable moments have sufficient pain to remind 
me of my mortality and of approaching eter- 
nity. I have some happy seasons in w^aiting 
on God in secret, while my prospects remain, 
as clear as ever with regard to a future w^orld. 
As ^ve now have a protracted meeting in pro- 



t 



232 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

gress, we have been favoured with the company 
of the reverend brethren Gary, Barnes, Puffer, 
and White. There are, however, so many 
stumbling-blocks in the way that we fear little 
good will be done. And yet it is possible for 
Him who seeth not as man seeth to overrule 
these adverse circumstances, and to bless the 
preaching of his own truth to the awakening 
and conversion of sinners. Would to God it 
may be so ! 

Feb. 5th. The meeting above mentioned was 
concluded rather abruptly on Sunday afternoon, 
in consequence of a severe snow-storm. No 
doubt Satan w^as Avell pleased ; and how far his 
agency was concerned it is impossible to say; 
for he is doubtless still •- the prince of the power 
of the air." His kingdom w^as evidently in 
danger, for not only was there a general ap- 
parent seriousness, but several had arisen for 
prayers. Of this number was the daughter of 
our late brother Seth Smith, who, on the Wed- 
nesday evening following, was happily convert- 
ed to God at Sauquoit, where our brethren have 
made a most successful extra effort. Would 
that circumstances were_ such as to authorize 
the expectation of a general effusion of the Holy 
Spirit! But God deals with us as rational, ac- 
countable creatures. O that, as such, we may 
repent and turn to him with weeping and sup- 
plication ! and then it may be that the Holy 
Spirit will once more return to this highly 
favoured people. 

For myself, I feel that every day of my short 



MEMOIR OF LVCY RICHARDS. 233 

life brings me deeper and deeper in debt, to 
grace, as well as nearer and nearer to eternity. 
And when I realize the abounding mercy of 
God, and contrast my situation with that of 
many with whom I am acquainted, I feel like 
humblins^ mvself before God in oTatitnde for all ; 
yea, even for my afHictions ; for although I 
cannot as yet fully comprehend their design, or 
trace the immediate connection between them 
and the intended benefit, yet I have no doubt 
they will promote my greatest good, if "by pa- 
tient continuance in well doing, I seek for glory, 
and honour, and immortality, and eternal life." 

3»Ionday, April 21st. i\Iy father being ill, our 
neighbour, the Rev. j\Ir. Tompkins, kindly call- 
ed in to see us. His prayer was warm and 
fervent, and my heart was soft, penitent, and 
grateful, when he prayed that we might contrast 
our situation with that of the poor heathen who 
know not God and who hear not his gospel. 
Though we are atHicted we have the blessings 
of a bountiful Providence, and above all the in- 
estimable felicity of peace with God here, and 
the promise of eternal life hereafter. What 
more can we ask ? 

Sunday, 27th. Have spent most of the day 
alone, searching the Scriptures, reading the 
life of Dr. Clarke, and supplicating the throne 
of grace for myself and others. But in the 
midst of all, I have been troubled with a w^an- 
dering mind. Y\'hat are all my works till thou, 
O God, thy quickening Spirit give ? O come 
Rxidfx my heart on things above ! 



234 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

In reading the life of Dr. C. I met with the 
following sentiment which exactly accords with 
my own views and feelings : — " I have never 
fallen out with life, but have often fallen out 
with myself, because I have spent it no better: 
to remedy this, I should be glad, with my pre- 
sent experience, to live life over again. I do 
not admire the thought that, 

* Life does not more time supply 
Than just to look about and die.' 

This sentiment, practically regarded, would be 
the creed of the sluggard and the coward. No : 
there is in life much to be done, much to be 
learned, and much to be suffered : we should 
live in time in reference to eternity. This I 
know, God's mercy has had a great deal to do 
to bring us thus far : it will have more to do to 
brin^ us to the verj^e of the eternal world : and 
it will have most of all to do to bring us to 
glory,"— Vol. iii, p. 218. 

May 15th. There fell such a depth of snow 
last night, that I have seen two sleighs go past 
this morning ; and the whistling of the north- 
west wind sounds more like January than May. 
My sister has just brought in a piece of ice 
nearly an inch thick, and the lilac before my 
window, which looked so fresh a few days 
since, really presents a sorrowful aspect. By 
the one I am reminded of my own frailty ; and 
by the other of the cold hand of death. But my 
trust is in the living God. 

" Perish the grass, and fode the flower, 
If firm the word of God remains." 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 235 

June 9th. We have omitted holding the anni- 
versary of our female missionary society till 
to-day, in order to obtain an address from the 
Rev. brother Seys, missionary at Oneida. He 
came with brother G. White and six of our na- 
tive brethren, all of Vvhom I was truly glad to 
see. Sister Spaulding, who has been the 
teacher of the Schuyler party, came also, ac- 
companied by three sisters from the York 
JMills, w^hose hearts are glowing with the mis- 
sionary flame, and who are anxious to be em- 
ployed in some way in promoting the salvation 
of the world. One of them, sister Jane Loyd, 
thinks of soins the comino^ autumn to Africa in 

too o 

company with brother Seys and family.* God 
of love, spare their useful lives, and prepare 
them for the great work before them ; and may 
many a poor African, snatched by their instru- 
mentality from ignorance, wretchedness, and 
ruin, rise up at the last day and call them blessed ! 
While all were gone to the missionary meet- 
ing, and as I was resting myself upon my bed, 
and meditating on the glorious cause, my soul 
was so exceedingly elevated and blest that I 
could not refrain from glorifying God with a 
loud voice. The meeting, I was told, was 
quite interesting. iVfter the address by brother 
S., two of the natives spoke with great simpli- 

* She went, and fell a victim to the African fever. 
Though of humble parentage and possessed of few per- 
sonal or intellectual accomplishments, yet she was deeply 
pious, and doubtless now shines among stars of the first 
magnitude in the kingdom of God. — Ed. 



i 



236 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

city and force, when a tliird, formerly my 
pupil, closed with prayer in his own tongue. 
All took dinner and tea with us ; after which 
brother Seys made a most tender and appropri- 
ate prayer, commending us to God and the 
word of his grace. We then separated with 
the expectation that few, if any, of us w^ould 
meet again on this side of the heavenly world. 
A large number of-our red brethren are about 
to emigrate to Green Bay: among them is 
John Cornelius, a local preacher, who has just 
taken his leave. May he preach the blessed gos- 
pel to thousands of his brethren in the far w^est, 
who now sit in darkness ; and may I long re- 
member his last request — '' Pray for me when 
I am there !" Farewell, ray red brethren, affec- 
tionately farewell, till we all meet in heaven ! 

June 2od. Mr. Freeman Judd, of Northeast, 
Pa., and cousin to my father, spent the sabbath 
with us. Though a useful man he is really an 
oddity. When living in Connecticut, and in 
his wild career, he climbed the lightning rod at- 
tached to the meeting-house steeple and wedged 
the vane, alleging that he wanted fair v/eather 
during the approaching election ! I have heard 
him say that he used to get out of his chamber 
window on stilts sixteen feet high, and walk 
around the streets ; and that, while thus eleva- 
ted, he once looked in at the gallery windows 
in time of worship !* But though still charac- 
teristically quaint, he is indeed " a new crea- 

* These stilts, I have heard it said, are now in the New- 
York Museum. — Ed. 



MEMOIR OF LVCY RICHARDS. 237 

ture." x\nd as he was a revolutionary soldier, 
so now is he the bold soldier of the cross. For 
a man of his age, being now seventy-eight, his 
memory is remarkable, enabling him to repeat 
most of the New Testament v/ith sm*prising 
accuracy. Yesterday he preached in our place 
to the admiration of a large congregation. I 
found his company profitable, and under his 
exhortations and prayers was almost led to 
hope for the restoration of my health ! 

July 26th. Have rode out a little distance 
every day for five days past, and to-day have 
rode about two miles. I feel no more fatigued 
than would be naturally expected, confined as 
I have been to my room for fifteen months. I 
have not felt so comfortable at any time within 
the last year and a half, as I have during the 
last two weeks. Surely unto God belongs the 
glory, while much subordinate praise is due to 
my worthy physicians. Doctors Green and 
Colwell, whose faithful services I shall long 
hold in grateful remembrance. AVere it not for 
the blessing of God on their endeavours to 
raise a poor worm, I should probably, long ere 
this, have been numbered with the pale tenants 
of the tomb. And though I am not v/ell, being 
able to sit up only a part of the day, yet my 
health is moderately improving, and there is 
reason to hope for still further improvement. 
But I fear I shall not live answerably to the 
mercies received. If I am permitted to visit 
among my friends, I see a field of usefulness 
before me. But, Lord of health and usefulness, 



238 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

who is sufScient for these things ? The cross 
must be borne or condemnation will follow. 
Of this I am loudly admonished by my own 
past experience. And shall I prove a coward, 
or turn a traitor ? Heaven forbid ! I would 
rather fearlessly own that Name, ^* which is 
above every name," and which to me is more 
precious than rubies. O for wisdom to direct 
and grace to support me in the way of 
duty ! 

x4.ug. 30th. I have once more been able to 
call on some of my old friends, as well as lo 
visit my sisters at their pleasant homes ; a 
blessing v/hich, a few months since, I hardly 
expected ever again to enjoy. I have also been 
able to call upon a few sick persons, in whose 
cases I recognize a mirror into which I cannot 
look vvuthout profitable reflections. Taught by 
long and painful experience to sympathize with 
them, may I be enabled to commend them to 
the " Hope of Israel and the Saviour thereof in 
the time of trouble." O there is a " better 
country" than this, " even a heavenly :" 

" No chilling winds nor poisonous breath 
Can reach that healthful shore ; 
Sickness and sorrow, pain and death, 
Are felt and fear'd no more." 

Oct. 21st. Have been to Waterville, where I 
called on Dr. G. and paid him the balance due 
for his professional services. And now, strict- 
ly speaking, I am indebted to no person ; ow- 
ing nothing but love and good will to human 
kind. I do not, however, forget that I am 



MEMOIR OP LUCY RICHARDS. 239 

SO deeply in debt to grace that I have no hope 
of discharging the amazing sum. 

26th. Kept from the house of God by reason 
of stormy weather, but have not forgotten that 
it is the sabbath, and that they who worship 
God must do it in spirit and in truth. I have 
this day finished reading my Bible through by 
course, pursuant to resokition formed the iirst 
day of the present year. I bless God that I feel 
an increasing attachment to his precious word, 
and more than ever realize that, so far from be- 
ing a mere dead letter, it is spirit and life. O 
God, " sanctify me through thy truth," and per- 
fect the work of grace in my poor heart ! 

Sunday, Nov. 2d. Have had many tempta- 
tions and hard conflicts, and am convinced I 
need more religion. But notwithstanding all 
my un worthiness, I have found comfort in 
reading the word of God in secret on my knees, 
and in praying for an increase of faith. Last 
night I dreamed of hearing L. D. preach, and 
describe the death-bed of the saint, and so deep 
■was the impression made on my mind that I 
was happy when I awoke. I cannot assent to 
the position that 

" Dreams are but interludes which fancy makes ; 
When monarch reason sleeps, this mimic wakes." 

How much more evangelical the sentiments of 
the Night Thoughts : 
" For human weal Heaven husbands all events, 
Dull sleep instructs, nor sport dull dreams in vain." 

Yes, even in dreams and visions of the night 
God opens the ears of man, and sealeth to him 



240 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

instruction. Job xxxiii, 16. So the good Lord 
often communicates himself to me in the night 
watches. Any way, O thou supreme delight 
of my soul, only so speak that thy unworthy 
handmaid may hear and understand. 

Heard brother Roper preach a blessed ser- 
mon to-day on Isa. ii, 5. He was much affect- 
ed, and I deeply felt the force of gospel truth. 

Friday 28th. My cough has returned in con- 
sequence of a violent cold ; so that I have felt 
quite poorly for several days. But I have no rea- 
son to complain. It is a great mercy that I have 
enjoyed so many blessings, and that I am not 
now wholly confined to my bed. But it is a still 
greater mercy that I am permitted to feel that 
God is mine and I am his, and that his precious 
cause lies very near my heart. I can neither 
forget the missionary of the cross, nor those 
native brethren and sisters v/ho have said, 
" Pray for us and our children." Often in my 
sleep do I seem to be teaching them, and la- 
bouring to do them good. Certain I am that, 
had I health, nothing would give me higher sat- 
isfaction than to be employed among them ; but 
God does all things well. 

Sunday, April 5, 1835. Brother Roper preach- 
ed to-day on Gal. vi, 9, " And let us not be 
weary in well doing ; for in due season we 
shall reap if we faint not." I sat under the 
word with great profit and delight. In class we 
had a comforting season. Three young con- 
verts joined society, and one by certificate. 
There are now only two members in society 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 241 

who belonged when I joined. Some have re- 
moved, a few have backslidden, and others 
have joined the chm'ch triumphant. I have 
been looking back to the time of my espousals 
to Christ and union with his people ; and I 
bless God for his guiding, protecting, and sup- 
porting grace, by which I have been so far 
kept from falling into sin as to retain my stand- 
ing in the church; still enjoying peace with 
Heaven and fellowship with the saints. *= * * 
Since tea I have noticed an occurrence which 
I do not recollect ever before to have witness- 
ed, namely, heavy thunder and sharp lightning 
amidst a shower of falling snow. 

June 5th. Have just read in the Western 
Christian Advocate an account of the death of 
sister L. Woods, formerly Louisa Willard. 
She died April 20, 1835, at Madison station. 111., 
(of which her husband had charge,) leaving a 
little daughter not quite a year old. Though 
death came upon her like a thief in the night, 
she was fully prepared, having previously ex- 
perienced the great blessing of perfect love. 
As she was one of the number who listened to 
the reading of the novel, mentioned in chapter 
viii, her death brought many past occurrences 
into most vivid and affecting recollection. But 
my heart rejoices, that she has, after all, been 
saved by grace, and has, no doubt, safely ar- 
rived in hea^^en. May I meet her there when 
my pilgrimage shall end ! 

July 9th. I have been able, through the 
mercv of God, to attend the camp meeting, 
16 



242 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

which^ during the week past, has been held two 
or three miles north of our residence. The last 
day, especially, was a good one to my soul. 
We had a profitable love-feast, and my heart 
was made soft while I approached the table of 
the Lord. It was sweet to hold communion 
with the God of love, and to enjoy the fellow- 
ship of his saints. Brother Bowen, our pre- 
siding elder, appeared to be in his element, 
while with tears in his eyes he exclaimed, 
" Glory to God"—'' God is love." My whole 
soul joined in the sentiment. Believers were 
sanctified, and sinners justified, but how many 
I cannot say. At this meeting I saw some of 
my fonner friends, whom I had not seen for 
years ; some of whom seemed ripe for heaven : 
I would particularly name father Nichols.* I 
also saw some of my red brethren, and some of 
the very interesting children that belonged to 
my school, whom I had not seen since I left 
the mission ; and it affords me much consola- 
tion to know that the pious part of them are still 
urging their way to hea\ en. A most melait- 
choly casualty occurred at the close of our 
meeting. As Mrs. Gilbert, a member of the 
Presbyterian Church, and her daughter were 
descending the hill about one mile distant from 
the camp-ground, their horse took fright and 

* Howe Nichols, of Sauquoit. Soon after the date of 
the above entry he fell asleep in Christ, full of years^ and 
ripe for heaven. Many years will probably elapse before 
he will be forgotten in the place of his residence. As a 
Howard ^nd a leader he was one of the best. — Ed. 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 243 

ran, throwing both with dreadful violence to the 
ground. The mother was killed instantly ; 
the daughter, though seriously injured, it is 
thought will recover. '' Boast not thyself of to- 
morrow ; for thou knowest not what a day may 
bring forth." 

July 31st. I have been very much tried with 
myself for several days past, in view of the little 
progress I am making in the Christian jour- 
ney, especially w^hen I see how far the young 
converts outstrip me : indeed, I ought to be 
ashamed, and to humble myself as in the dust 
before God. Holiness of heart and life appears to 
be the theme not only of some of our elder breth- 
ren, but even of those who have quite recently 
passed from death unto life. Some profess to 
have experienced the great blessing of perfect 
love, and others appear to be groaning after it : 
would that it prevailed generally throughout bur 
church ! Last night we had what some would 
call " an old-fashioned prayer meeting." God 
was in the midst of his people of a truth, and 
one precious soul at least was translated froui 
the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of 
God's dear Son. Hallelujah to God and the 
Lamb ! 

Aug. 10th. To-day all my father's family, 
with the exception of a few grand-children, met 
at brother Irish's, where brother and sister Gil- 
more gave us the parting hand, designing to re- 
move to West Bloomfield, having sold their 
possessions here and made a purchase there : 
so that we must be separated. Probably we 



244 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

shall not all meet again till we are assembled 
before the bar of final retribution : and yet 
some of lis, it is to be feared, are not prepared 
for the scrutiny of that day. Solemn thought ! 
My father prayed most earnestly that we might 
all meet in heaven. Gracious Redeemer, an- 
swer our supplications, and may we make " a 
family in heaven !" One year ago the first of 
last January I commenced praying particularly 
for my brother W., and my brother-in-law G.; 
and though I have remembered them at the 
throne of grace every day since, and yet see no 
more signs of their conversion to God than at 
first, still will I continue my intercessions. O 
God, I would renew my covenant with thee 
this evening, still hoping that prayer offered in 
the name of Christ will prevail ! 

On my return home I attended the funeral of 
a little boy aged twelve years. One week yes- 
terday he was a promising scholar in the Sunday 
school : but to-day he sleeps in the grave ! 

12th. Attended the funeral of Mr. Alexander. 
On Monday he was taken with bleeding at the 
nose, and died the same night, doubtless from 
loss of blood. Thus passeth away the glory 
of this world ! 

Sunday, Aug. 23d. Went with my sister M. 
to Sauquoit, where I heard brother W. preach 
two sermons, I trust with some profit. During 
the intermission I walked in the grave-yard, 
where I found sister Nichols returning from a 
newly made grave, and found, on inquiry, that 
her beloved Benjamin had been interred there 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 245 

but a few days before. All however was well, 
for he died in peace. " So sleep the dead !" 
Of many of my former friends all that is now 
visible is their tomb-stone. Well, I shall soon 
join them. Took tea (or rather water, not hav- 
ing practised tea.-drinking for the last ten years) 
with brother Elijah Davis, called on brother 
and sister Graves, and on my way home stop- 
ped to see and comfort a palsied old lady, Mrs. 
N. I felt myself comforted while repeating to 
her the precious promises of the gospel ; and 

that she may lay hold on them by faith ! 
31st. Still will I suffer and submit. I have 

been making calculations to accompany my 
brother and sister Irish on a visit to Rhode 
Island. My physician advised the journey, and 

1 saw nothing to hinder it ; though it has been 
my prayer that, if it w-ere not best for me to 
go, my w^ay might be hedged up. 

Sept. 4th. My afflictions remain, but I bless 
God my soul is happy. In prayer meeting last 
evening my joys were unspeakable, while my 
evidence of acceptance with God was as clear as 
the noon-day sun ; and to-day all is calm, and 
joy, and peace, and heaven. I have just re- 
turned from Aisiting a poor man who came with 
his wife on a visit to our neighbourhood, and 
was soon after attacked w4th a violent fever. 
He had been much deranged, but was quite ra- 
tional when I called, and seemed much pleased 
to have me converse with him. He confessed 
himself a backslider, but thought he should live 
the life of a true disciple should the Lord spare 



246 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

liim. " O," said he, " I would give thousands 
of worlds, if I had them at command, were I 
as good a Christian as I believe some to be." 
He has since both recovered and found peace 
to his soul. Glory be to God for his abound- 
in o^ mercv ! 

17th. My health is evidently on the decline, 
and I am able to sit up only a part of the 
day. I have chills and some fever ; my rest 
is much disturbed ; and my appetite fails. 
But O heaven ! sweet heaven ! not a pain can 
enter there. I feel that as my afflictions in- 
crease my joys in Christ proportion ably abound : 
and as I cannot go to meeting, I bless God 
that I can find him at home. Yes, he is every- 
where. thou omnipresent God, shine forth; 
shine into my poor heart ; 

" Seal thou my breast, and let me wear 
The pledge of love for ever there." 

Oct. 6th. Still failing. Some of the time I 
have felt to mourn because I was so stupid, 
and could realize no more of the divine pre- 
sence. Still my peace has remained undisturb- 
ed, and within a few days God has been pre- 
paring me for a heavy trial by imparting more 
fully the enjoyment of his love. 

On Saturday last my dear father was taken 
very ill, and continuing so on sabbath, we sent 
for a physician. Every thing was done that 
experience and skill could suggest, but appa- 
rently to no purpose. He continues to fail, 
and I have my fears that his time with us is 
short. Still I must pvay, that if consistent 



'\IEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 247 

with the divine will, he may be spared yet 
another and another year. 

The day he was taken sick he remarked to 
me, that we '* had got almost to the end of the 
road;" and then spoke with much feeling of the 
remarkable health he had enjoyed for the last 
two or three years, '"But," said he, '*we 
have got almost through, whether in the right 
road or not." My heart was too full for utter- 
ance, though I felt that / enjoyed " the witness 
of the Spirit," and had no doubt that he was 
travelling toward the celestial city. 

Saturday, 10th. Alas, my fears respecting 
my dear father have been realized ! He con- 
tinued to fail, and on Wednesday morning we 
sent to Waterville for Dr. Colwell to come and 
counsel with the attending physician. But 
science, and skill, and friendship, were unavail- 
ing. All was done that man could do, but all 
could accomplish nothing against the irrevoca- 
ble mandate of Heaven. About ten in the even- 
ing I arose and approached his bed-side, and 
what a mere}'' that I could even do this ! I said, 
" Father, do you know me ?" '' Lucy," he repli- 
ed more audibly than he had done for hours, 
"yes." I continued, ''Do you feel as if you 
had got almost home ?" He replied, " Yes." I 
said, " I am close behind, and so are the rest 
of us." He said, '' Yes," faintly, and then fell 
asleep. The physician soon awoke him, and 
made every effort to dislodge the phlegm v/hich 
was evidently accumulating in the throat, and 
on the vital organs ; but though he partially 



248 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

succeeded, yet my dear parent continued to 
sink into the cold embraces of " the last enemy.'^ 
As the weather had been rainy^ fqw of the 
brethren knew that he v/as sick, and those that 
did know it were not particularly alarmed, as 
he frequently had ill turns. Hence few were 
present besides the physician, who was a pious^ 
good man. I asked the doctor and some of the 
family to join in singing some of my father's 
favourite hymns. Accordingly we sung, '' Je- 
sus my all to heaven is gone" — "And let this 
feeble body fail" — and some others. O what a 
heavenly scene! who can describe it? Surely 
it will be faintly done by me. His counte- 
nance was placid and serene. He looked at 
us very v^ishfully, and seemed to exert all his 
strength to speak to us — ^but in vain. We gazed 
upon him with unutterable emotion, and yet 
were able to sing, — 

'* I suffer an my threescore years 
Till my Deliverer come ; 
And wipe away his servant's tears, 
And take his exile home." 

It seemed to me that I could almost hear him 
say, " I'm glad 'tis so ; go on, and soon you'll 
meet me there." The glory of God appeared 
to fill the house, and with calm resignation, 
though in broken accents, we again sung, — 

" Give joy or grief, give ease or pain, 
Take life or friends away : 
But let us find them all again 
In that eternal day.'' 

His breath grew shorter and shorter, and 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 249 

without moving a limb, or heaving a sigh, or 
uttering a groan, he sweetly fell asleep in Je- 
sus on Thursday about six o'clock in the morn- 
ing, October 8, 1835, aged seventy-one years, 
seven months, and fifteen days. After his eyes 
were closed, and his remains put in a proper 
posture, our kind physician commended us to 
God and the word of his grace in a most tender 
and appropriate prayer. The funeral was at- 
tended by a large congregation at the Episco- 
pal church, and the sermon preached by the 
Rev. Wm. N. Pearne, on Psa. xc, 12, " So 
teach us to number our days that we may apply 
our hearts unto wisdom." I was so feeble that I 
had scarcely expected to hear the sermon ; but 
this precious promise was verified : " As thy 
day is, so shall thy strength be." 

Oct. 19th. My health is a little improved, 
and I have often been astonished at the good- 
ness of God in comforting, strengthening, and 
supporting us during the week past. My dear 
mother's health has not been as good in a long 
time ; and dear sister Melinda, who was well 
nigh worn dow^n with care and fatigue, is still 
wonderfully supported. We do, indeed, great- 
ly miss our dear parent and head, especially 
when we come around the family altar : but 
God is there. And when we come to the 
table, his blessing is as graciously vouchsafed 
as humbly solicited. Nor do we feel that lone- 
liness which we rather painfully anticipated. 
But as all is of grace, so to God belongs all the 
glory. 



250 MEI\tOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

Sunday evening, Oct. 25th. Last Thursday I 
felt uncommonly dull in mind, and was much 
distressed in body. It seemed as though I had 
a weight attached to both, and was sometimes 
tempted to think it would do no good to pray. 
But though to human reason it might seem 
probable enough that such prayers as mine could 
be productive of no special benefit, I did not 
listen to the adversary. And, as God looketh 
at the heart, he knew the object at which I was 
aiming, namely, his glory and my own salvation. 
Blessed be his name, he appeared for the relief, 
in some good degree at least, of both soul and 
body; so that I was the better prepared to enjoy 
the society of Rev. brother Adams, who put up 
with us during the night. His conversation 
was edifying, and his prayers consoling. What 
a tender chord is made to vibrate when a friend 
from abroad, unacquainted with our irreparable 
loss, calls and asks for my dear departed parent ! 
This has occurred three times to-day. 

The weather being fine, I have been permit- 
ted to mingle this day once more with the saints 
of the Most High in the place of his holiness. 
'' Lord, I have loved the habitation of thine 
house, the place where thine honour dwelleth." 

This evening I spend alone, mother and sis- 
ter having gone to prayer meeting ; and yet not 
alone, for my Saviour is with me. I never 
wish to detain any one from the house of wor- 
ship for mere company's sake, if I am able to 
take care of myself Indeed, I am so far from 
feeling gloomy or lonesome under such circirai- 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 251 

Stances, that I often remain alone from choice. 
And I have recently thought that if the loss of 
a friend is ever compensated by the more full 
and abundant enjoyment of the divine presence, 
I have had the proof of it in my own experience. 
Tuesday evening, Oct. 29th. Called at Dr. 
Larrabee's to-day, and spent an hour or two in 
profitable conversation with Mrs. L. She re- 
lated some of her early experience in the things 
of religion ; but what is still better., she now 
enjoys the love of God, and appears to be 
thirsting after more. The doctor, she says, 
has been much more engaged in prayer since 
the death of my father. O God, wake up thy 
people in all our churches, " and keep them 
still awake ;" so that the times of refreshing 
may speedily come from thy blessed presence ! 
I am admonished by every day's observation of 
the necessity of being a whole-hearted Chris- 
tian ; and yet, alas, how many blanks and va- 
cancies occur in the pages of my past history! 
So conscious am I of my imperfections, that I 
am sometimes led to ask myself whether I am 
not a hinderance to others in seeking salvation. 
God of infinite wisdom, thou knowest ! '• Search 
me, and know ray heart ; try me, and know my 
thoughts ; and see if there be any wicked way 
in me, and lead me in the w^ay everlasting." I 
am not conscious, however, of doing any thing 
wilfully to dishonour the cause of God ; and yet, 
alas, how little do I do to promote it ! I now 
solemnly resolve in the strength of the Lord to 
be more faithful. I have had a very .solemn 



252 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

time in prayer, and my soul has been deeply 
hmnbled within, while I have felt that God was 
all around me. 

Nov. 15th. As the duty of leading in family 
worship has chiefly devolved on me since the 
death of my dear father, I have been sorely 
tempted to omit it, 'especially when persons are 
present who do not profess religioiL But in 
the strength of grace I have resolved to go for- 
ward in the way of dut}^ Ah, how could we 
live without a family altar, considering the 
trials and afflictions to which we are constantly 
exposed ! And in the use of this blessed means 
of grace how often are we fed and refreshed ! I 
trust, indeed, that the domestic altar long since 
erected in this consecrated habitation will 
never be neglected so long as the name of 
Richards is associated with it. Lord, strength- 
en my feeble lungs, and help me, in unison 
with our little domestic band, to pray, and 
praise, and bear the daily cross, till permitted to 
join the pure and perfect company before thy 
throne ! 

Sunday evening, Nov. 29th. Blessed be God 
for all his mercies ! They are exceedingly 
manifold, new every morning and fresh every 
evening. Last week that dear servant of God, 
the Rev. E. Bo wen, with his wife, visited us. 
The topics of conversation were such as be- 
came candidates for immortality, and I felt my- 
self divinely comforted and blest. But after 
they were gone I was sorely tempted on 
account of a brief memoir I had furnished of 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 253 

my dear departed parent. At the request of 
brother B. I had drawn up such a memoir, ex- 
pecting he would make such an extract from it 
as would be suitable for publication : but he had 
forwarded the whole, to which I thoughtlessly 
gave consent. I knew^ it was too long for the 
columns of the Christian Advocate and Jour- 
nal,* and, upon further reflection, was afraid 
the editors would think I had taken unwarrant- 
able liberty. But in submitting all to Christ, I 
found sweet consolation. 

Last night brother Goodrich, one of the 
preachers on our circuit, put up with us. He 
is a praying man, and enjoys, I believe, the 
blessing of perfect love. To-day he preached 
in the demonstration of the Spirit, on Psalm 
xviii, 3, — " I will call upon the Lord, who is 
worthy to be praised : so shall I be saved from 
mine enemies." I still feel that God is my por- 
tion and exceeding great reward. Hallelujah 
to his name ! iVmen and amen. 

Thursday evening, Dec. 31st, 1835. My mind 
is exceedingly solemn, as I have been reflect- 
ing on the variegated scenes of the^ year now 
near its close. I have suffered much pain, and 
have seemingly been near the grave ; and then 
again, as it were, thrust back to life. Still I am 
not free from a measure of bodily suffering, and 
probably never shall be till mortality is swal- 
lowed up of life. But how does the prospect 
of an '' eternal iveight of glory" outweigh all 
*' these light afflictions I*' 
* Published in the Christian Advocate for Dec. 1 1, 1835. 



i 



254 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

Marcli 20th, 1836. We have had so many 
changes in the weather, that my feeble frame 
has suffered much within the last two or three 
weeks. My cough is troublesome, and my 
health is evidently failing. Still I can say, 
" The Lord doeth all things well." On him 
alone I depend for present and future salvation. 
Yes, he is my all, in all things, and beneath 
his cross I find consolation and safety. Hold 
out then, my soul, a little longer. These chill- 
ing winds and painful seasons will end by and 
by. The time of deliverance is at hand. " He 
that shall come will come, and will not tarry." 
Heaven, with all its glories, will soon be thine. 
Then I shall no more be separated from the 
society I so much love, but enjoy it for ever ! 

" Soon will the toilsome strife be o'er 
Of sublunary care, 
And life's dull vanities no more 
This anxious breast ensnare." 

April 8th. I am gradually wasting away. It 
will soon be said, '^ She is gone." We had 
some serious talk respecting it last evening : 
mother and sister think they will be very lone- 
some. No doubt they will. Help them, O 
Lord, to lean upon thine almighty arm for sup- 
port, and to claim thy precious promises, and 
then all will be Avell. My mind is undisturbed 
in regard to the future : I feel a firm, unwaver- 
ing confidence in Christ my Redeemer. In his 
hands I am safe. 

Among others who have been to visit me, I 
have been exceedingly pleased to see some of 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 255 

my Indian friends from the Oneida. The name 
of Jesus is still precious to them. How sweet 
their singing, how sympathizing their prayers, 
and how grateful the remembrance of those 
tears they shed when fervently interceding for 
their sick teacher ! Ay, and what a heavenly 
smile sat upon their countenances when, on 
giving the parting hand, I reminded them that 
we should meet in heaven ! 

Lord, make me useful even now upon this 
bed of sickness. Help me to exemplify the 
meekness, and constancy, and patience, and 
submission, of thy holy religion ! Teach me 
how to speak a word in season to those who 
call to see me, and kindly offer to aid in taking 
care of me. I have many friends, (do not know 
indeed that I have an enemy on earth,) and their 
kindness often melts my heart. But what have 
I that I have not received ? Nothing, absolutely 
nothing. All that I am, and have, and enjoy, 
is of grace, through the atoning blood of the 
Lamb. 

21st. Not a moment's cessation from pain, 
though sometimes not in quite so much distress, 
which is matter of thankfulness. Feeble as I 
am I can get off my bed and sit up a little, 
while some of my acquaintance cannot even 
turn themselves. Surely the Lord dealeth boun- 
tifully with me. Sometimes my soul is inex- 
pressibly happy. I have never as yet been 
forsaken of God. I feel that my foundation 
standeth sure. Rejoice, O my soul ! These 
clogs of clay cannot always hold thee a prisoner 



256 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

here. Thou shalt soon burst every restraint, 
and soar away to the bosom of thy God. And 
yet I have no anxiety to go or stay. With this 
I have nothing to do. The will of God is my 
will. 

Saturday, May 7th. The weather has been 
remarkably pleasant for several days past : to- 
day it has been showery. In one of these 
showers the funeral procession, wdth the re- 
mains of the widow Schofield, aged seventy- 
two, and member of the Presbyterian Church, 
passed. My mind was deeply solemn, when I 
reflected that probably my mortal remains would 
next be conveyed to the silent mansions of the 
dead. And yet there were many pleasing re- 
flections connected with the probable fact, such 
as the thought of being for ever at rest, acquir- 
ing a state of perfection unattainable in the pre- 
sent life, association with the wisest and purest 
beings in the whole universe, and, above all, 
the enjoyment of God's immediate presence : 
and all this in consequence of the suflerings, 
death, resurrection, and intercession of the Lord 
Jesus Christ. 

16th. Through the tender mercy of God, 
though very feeble, I still live. My soul en- 
joys solid peace and happiness, and when the 
enemy tells me, I shall never reach the hea- 
venly inheritance, I tell him, '^ he is a liar, 
and the father of lies :" for God has promised 
to guide me by his counsel, and afterward to 
receive me to glory — if I do but " endure as 
seeing Him who is invisible." And surely I 



MEMOIR OF LrCY RICHARDS. 257 

have no disposition to turn back again, now that 
I am so near the goal. 

25th. I am reduced ahnost to a skeleton, and 
yet the Lord gives me strength to get up and 
down alone. Although it has long been antici- 
pated, yet I have just experienced a very sore 
trial. My brother-in-law Irish, having sold out 
here, and purchased at Wesleyville, Erie co., 
Pennsylvania, and having spent several days 
with his wdfe and children in our family, this 
morning bade us " farewell !" The parting was 
most tender ; for we expect never to meet again 
on earth. But our tears were mingled with 
thrilling hopes: hopes of meeting where sighing 
and sorrow will be done away. My soid is still 
kept in perfect peace. 

27th. I cannot forget the parting scene al- 
luded to above. When brother and sister G, 
left, we had a dear father to commend us to 
God. Now this duty devolved on brother Irish, 
who prayed much to our edification and com- 
fort. But, ah, the last, the sweet, the kind, the 
fond embrace of my dear sister E ! It seemed 
as if she would almost kiss my spirit away, 
w^hile tears of mingled emotion covered my 
^oor, emaciated face. Still our anticipations 
Avere blissful. To-day my soul has been filled 
" unutterably full of glory and of God." 

June 11th. My health continues to fail, so 
tliat it is with the utmost difficulty that I get up 
and dowm without help. But, — God is love. 
Much of the time my soul is triumphantly hap- 
p.V, while not a clooid intervenes between me 
17 



258 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

and the heavenly world. Hallelujah, the Lord 
God omnipotent reigneth ! 

Dear sister S. Bushnell has spent several 
days with us. O how sweet her company, her 
counsels, and her prayers ! Lord God of Is- 
rael, send with her, wherever she goes, the 
Angel of thy presence ! We have had much 
good company, but I am too much fatigued to 
write more. 

July 1st. I still live to suffer and enjoy. For 
nearly three weeks I have been as helpless as 
a child, save only that I have the use of my 
hands. But God is with me in the furnace. 
All is peace, and calm, and joy, and heaven. 
Perhaps I shall never record more : but again 
I say,—" God is love ;" and heaven is my in- 
heritance, whither I am bound. O, hallelujah ! 
Lord Jesus, give me a safe passage over Jor- 
dan : yea, Lord, I know thou wilt. 

[The above entry, though perfectly legible, 
was evidently made witl^ a tremulous hand In 
all probability it was, as the writer anticipated 
it would be, the last time she put pen to paper. 
—-Ed.] 



CHAPTER XVII. 

ACCOUNT OF HER DEATH BY HER SISTER. 

My sister lived till September 10th, 1837, 
during all which time her sufferings continued 
to increase. She was never able to turn her- 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 259 

self in bed, or bear her own weight ; but though 
her sufferings were great, almost beyond de- 
scription, she bore them to the last with exem- 
plary patience. In the midst of all she was 
calm, resigned, and self-possessed: nay, more, 
she was joyful, she was triumphant. 

Often did we hear her, in her severest suf- 
ferings, shout the praises of God. This indeed 
was a frequent thing. Scores, if not hundreds, 
who visited her during this part of her sickness, 
must have heard her glorify God with a loud 
voice. 

Understanding that I was writing to my sis- 
ter in Pennsylvania, she said, " Tell them I 
should be very glad to see them : however, I 
am resigned to the will of God, and often tri- 
umphantly happy in view of that rest that re- 
mains to the people of God, not having so 
much as a cloud to darken my sky." 

She would often say, " The Lord does all 
things w^ell. He knows when to give, and 
when to withhold. All things work together 
for good to them that love God. I feel that 
Jesus is my Redeemer and Saviour : I cast my 
all on him : in my greatest distress he appears 
to me ' the chief among ten thousand, and the 
altogether lovely.' " 

During the latter part of her sickness, her 
sufferings were evidently very great. Under 
these circumstances she would sometimes say, 
" I am so sick — so sick — what shall I do ?" 
And then recollecting herself, would thank God 
it was so w^ell with her, and that she was so 



260 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

near the end of her journey. It was, indeed, 
often very distressing to be obliged to stand and 
look at her, when we could do nothing for her 
relief. 

The Monday before her death, thinking it 
probable she would not live throughout the day, 
v/e sent to Utica for aunt H. When she arrived 
in the evening, Lucy not only seemed pleased 
to see her, but exceedingly happy in God. On 
Tuesday she continued to fail, and swallowed 
with the greatest difficulty; after which she 
was able to receive no further nourishment. 
On Wednesday morning a friend from Utica 
arrived, who said to her, " I have come to take 
care of you." After expressing her warmest 
gratitude, she said, " I have been sick so long 
I have almost worn our folks out; but I see the 
Lord still provides." 

The funeral procession of Mrs. Selleck pass- 
ed our dwelling on Thursday, when Lucy, be- 
ing informed of it, said, " Well, Mrs. Selleck 
has gone a little before me." She had been 
able to converse but little for several days, and 
lay for the most part with her eyes closed. A 
number of friends called to see her, of whom 
she appeared to take very little notice. I asked 
her if she knew them ? when she very distinctly 
said, "Yes." On my going to her bed, and 
turning her, she said, " I want to kiss you ;" 
and, after doing so, continued, " I am afraid I 
shall wear you all out." As our friends stood 
around the bed, she looked at them and said, 
" Are you going?" Being told they were, she 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RlCHARI>.S. 261 

addressed them : " Be faithful to God — trust in 
him." Cousin said to her, " Do you feel that 
God is near, and that you will soon know what 
the joys of heaven are V She replied, " Yes ; 
soon, very soon they will be mine : glory, glory, 
praise the Lord ; he is worthy to be praised." 
Another friend asked her, " Do you know me ?" 
" Yes," was her reply, " I know you all, and 
all that is said. May we all be prepared to 
meet in heaven, that blessed place. My soul 
is happy: it loves God: it adores him. I shall 
soon be with my Saviour, and with angels, and 
with the spirits of the just made perfect." Then 
raising both hands, she said, '' Glory, glory, 
glory: praise the Lord: hallelujah!" A few 
hours after, in answer to some friends who 
called to see her, and who remarked to her, 
'^ You have got almost home," she replied, " 1 
have nothing to fear — I have nothing to fear." 
Contrary to all our expectations she survived 
till the next sabbath. On Friday she inquired, 
*' Is Edna coming home ?" I replied, " We 
have sent for her : do you wish to see her ?" 
'^Yes," was her answer, "if it is the will of 
God." When my sister arrived at evening, she 
said, " 0, I did not expect to see you again, 
but the Lord has spared me once more to meet 
you. And here are your dear little boys : they 
have come to see their poor aunt Lucy again : 
she will soon be gone." To attempt any further 
description of her bodily sufferings would be 
useless : they were, indeed, indescribable. But 
faith, no less than reason, was triumphant to 



262 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

the last moment. To use one of her own fa- 
vom'ite expressions, " All was peace, and calm, 
and joy, and heaven." She recognised her 
friends when they came in, and tenderly refer- 
red them to the felicities of an eternal union. 
Among those who visited her during her last 
hours were several Indian brethren from Onei- 
da, including some who were once her scholars 
at that place. 

She died without a struggle or a groan, on 
Sunday, September 10th, 1837, a quarter before 
six o'clock in the evening, aged about forty-five. 
Good woman! her sufferings are ended, and 
she is at rest. May we emulate her virtues, and 
prepare to join her in that " house not made 
with hands, eternal in the heavens !" 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

CONCLUDING REFLECTIONS BY THE EDITOR. 

Of the general character of Miss Richards, 
an opinion sufficiently accurate will probably 
be formed from the preceding pages : I shall, 
therefore, close this little volume with a few 
practical reflections. 

1. The memoir aftbrds great encouragement 
to parental fidelity. The parents of Lucy early 
sought, and found an interest in the Saviour, 
themselves. Being thus convinced of the in- 
estimable value and paramount importance of 
religion, they deemed it their solemn duty to 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 263 

train up their little ones in the nurture and ad- 
monition of the Lord. To spread before their 
infant minds the elementary truths of the Chris- 
tian system, to instil its pure and lofty senti- 
ments into their little hearts, and thus to guard 
them against the false maxims and destructive 
ways of a world lying in wickedness, were ob- 
jects which they seem to have kept almost con- 
stantly in view. 

Nor was their labour in vain in the Lord. 
Their children may have thought, at times, that 
their prohibitions were unreasonable, and their 
commands rigorous. Subsequent experience, 
however, fully convinced them that the domes- 
tic discipline, to whose wholesome restraints 
they had been obliged to submit, was as well 
the dictate of sound wisdom as of parental love 
and fidelity. It will have been seen in the pre- 
ceding history how often Lucy speaks of her 
high obligations to her pious parents. But for 
them, she supposes it probable she might have 
lived without God, and died without hope. 

Christian parent, behold your duty! God has 
placed under your guardianship those little im- 
mortals, and has solemnly commanded you to 
train them up in the way they should go. When 
you have fed and clothed their bodies, you have 
only begun to do your duty to them. They 
have minds to be enlightened, and hearts to be 
sanctified ; and this work is, in a great measure, 
committed to your instrumentality. With re- 
spect to the great leading truths of the Holy 
Bible, it is said, ''Thou shalt teach them dili- 



264 MEMOm OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

gently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them 
^vhen thou sittest in thine house, and when thou 
walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, 
and when thou risest up," Deut. vi, 7. This 
duty cannot be devolved upon others. Others 
may aid you, but they cannot take your place. 
You may look upon sabbath schools, Bible 
classes, and the like, as auxiliaries, and thank 
God for their institution ; but must never think 
of their superseding parental instruction and 
government. Whatever, therefore, may be your 
discouragements, you must labour on. In the 
morning sow thy seed, and in the evening with- 
hold not thy hand. When you lie down in 
the silent grave, if not before, your children 
may remember your words, and turn to the 
Lord. At any rate, you will be clear ; their blood 
will not be found in the skirts of your garments, 
2. How amiable and attractive is filial affec- 
tion ! We see much to admire in the character 
of Lucy, but scarcely any other trait appears 
more prominent or more lovely than her pro- 
found veneration for her parents. In all mat- 
ters that did not contravene the dictates of con- 
science, their will was her law. This love for 
their persons, and regard for their authority, are 
particularly observable after she was converted 
from the error of her ways. Nor did she feel 
at liberty to go contrary to their advice when 
no longer under their legal control. Believing 
them to be taught of God, she dared not even 
give herself up as a missionary till she had ob- 
tained their consent. 



ME.M01R OP LUCY RICHARDS. 265 

In all this slie doubtless acted in accordance 
with the spirit of her religion. On scarcely 
any other point of morals do the inspired wri- 
ters speak with more frequency, explicitness, 
and speciality. ^' Hear the instruction of thy 
father, and forsake not the law of thy mother : 
for they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy 
head, and chains about thy neck.'' '• Hearken 
unto thy father, and despise not thy mother 
when she is old." '-Honour thy father and 
thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the 
land which the Lord thy God giveth thee." 
'' Children, obey your parents in the Lord : for 
this is right." 

Some young people foolishly imagine, that 
to disregard the authority of their parents, and 
to set up their own opinions in opposition to 
theirs, evince great and honourable independ- 
ence of mind. Hence, they obstinately walk 
in the ways of their own heart, and in the 
sight of their own eyes ; thereby giving the 
most exquisite pain to the hearts of those who 
have nourished and brought them up, and to 
whose protection and care they are, under 
God, indebted for their very being. A strange 
sort of independence this ! Such, indeed, as 
would befit the character of '' Lucifer, son of the 
morning." 

For a long time parents stand to their children 
in the place of God himself, and to disobey or 
lightly esteem the former, is highly offensive to 
the latter. Against scarcely any other specific 
case of moral aberration, mdeedj does the Al- 



266 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

mighty speak in terms of sucli fearful maledic- 
tion. " The eye that mocketh at his father, 
and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of 
the valley shall pick it out, and the young 
eagles shall eat it." Many who have come to 
an ignominious end have owned, sometimes un- 
der the gallows itself, that the wicked courses 
which brought them to it originated in habits of 
filial disobedience. To the young, then, we 
would say, — would you avoid a fate so dread- 
ful ; would you be saved from the reproaches 
of a wounded conscience, and from the frowns 
of offended Heaven ; would you be preserved 
from the contempt of the wise, and secure the 
approbation of the good and virtuous ? then scru- 
pulously avoid every approach to the crime under 
consideration. " Honour thy father and mother, 
(which is the first commandment with promise,) 
that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest 
live long on the earth," Eph. vi, 2, 3. 

3. We perceive in the preceding memoir 
something of the value and loveliness of early 
piety. The subject of it evinced, even in the 
days of her childhood, the possession of those 
feelings and propensities, which, had they been 
cherished and indulged, must not only have 
greatly diminished her happiness and usefulness, 
but ruined her soul for ever. And why did she not 
cherish and indulge them ? Because she sought 
and found an interest in the Saviour : because 
she " put on the new man, which, after God, is 
created in righteousness and true holiness." 
The stream was sweetened at its very fountain- 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 267 

head. The entire object and current of her 
affections were changed. By consequence, her 
whole character was now formed upon the 
model of a pure and benevolent religion. To 
love God with all her heart and her neighbour 
as herself became, at once, the study and la- 
bour of her life. She bore her daily cross, and 
followed the blessed Saviour. Like him, she 
w^ent about doing good. Had her means and 
capabilities been equal to her purposes and de- 
sires, she would have alleviated the woes of 
her species, and restored every wanderer to the 
fold of God. How worthy such an example to 
be followed by all the youth of our land ! 

Youthful piety, though not so venerable as 
aged virtue, is certainly more attractive and 
lovely. To see good principles thoroughly 
governing the whole conduct ; to see them pre- 
vail over all youthful levities and follies ; to see 
passions, at a season of life when usually most 
ungovernable, subjected to reason and con- 
science ; to see the spirit and vanities of the 
world despised and trampled under foot ; to 
see constancy, uniformity, and steadiness, at a 
period when irresolution and the caprice of 
fancy are apt to prevail ; to see persons yet in 
the bloom of life, with the sentiments of a vir- 
tuous old age, — is certainly a most delightful 
spectacle. It is, too, a spectacle most pleasing 
to Heaven. He has said in the most explicit 
terms, " I love them that love me, and those 
that seek me early shall find me." To offer 
him the very buds of our being, and the flowers 



268 xMEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

of our opening intelligence, must be infinitely 
more acceptable to the divine Majesty tlian 
'' all whole burnt-offerings." 

Remember, then, now thy Creator in the 
days of thy youth. No words can describe the 
importance of beginning well. Upon our early 
habits often depend not only our respectability 
and usefulness in this life, but our eternal happi- 
ness in the world to come. As we begin, so 
are we exceedingly apt to end human life. 

A doctrine very different from this, Ave are 
aware, may be taught some of our youthful 
readers. They may perhaps be told, that reli- 
gion is not the proper concern for youth. Very 
possibly it will be insinuated, that the supreme 
Divinity does not concern himself with the ac- 
tions of his creatures ; or, if he does, that he is 
too good to resent their wicked conduct. They 
will be told, that all the stories of a future state 
and future punishment were invented for political 
purposes. It would not be wonderful should 
they be advised, that the whole system of re- 
vealed religion is the mere offspring of priest- 
craft, and that great minds acknov/ledge no 
other religion than that of nature. Examples 
of prosperous wickedness may be set before 
them, and they be called upon to observe how 
those have succeeded in the world who profess 
not to have the fear of God before their eyes. 
In this degenerate age, many false maxims 
may be advanced, many audacious principles 
advocated, many libertine sentiments propaga- 
ted, uiany indecent reflections cast upon sacred 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS 269 

things, and very possibly, many blasphemies 
uttered against the religion and the name of 
Christ. But let none of these things move you. 
Do you resolve, through that gracious assist- 
ance which God has been pleased to afford, 
that, however others may choose to think and 
act, you will be a disciple of the Saviour. 
Now, in the morning of life, cultivate the fear, 
and devote yourself to the service, of the Most 
High. Study to know the whole extent of your 
duty, and, knowing the will of your moral 
Governor, conform to it unfeignedly and with- 
out delay. To say nothing of higher conside- 
rations, the good name of Lucy Richards 
would be worth more to you than all the wealth 
of Croesus. 

4. The history of Miss Richards furnishes 
most conclusive evidence of the supporting 
power of the Christian faith. Bodily suffering, 
particularly after she reached the years of wo- 
manhood, was her almost unvarying portion. 
Not only was her nervous system peculiarly 
delicate and excitable, but her pulmonary or- 
gans were doubtless constitutionally diseased. 
Consequently a day seldom passed during 
which she did not experience more or less 
physical suffering. At times, her frail body 
was almost literally agonized. Indeed, long 
confined to her bed, and under the influence of 
complicated disease, she suffered more than 
can well be imagined. 

But amidst all, and through all, the spirit 
was triumphant. Not a word of complaint did 



270 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

she utter. She emphatically possessed her 
soul in patience. Nay, more, she rejoiced 
with joy unspeakable and full of glory. When 
interrogated as to the state of her health, her 
usual reply was, " The Lord deals with me 
very gently : I ought to be thankful for his 
kindness." However exquisite or protracted 
her sufferings, her equanimity remained undis- 
turbed. 

Now we have no hesitancy in saying, that 
all this was the result of her strong and truly 
evangelical faith. She endured, as seeing Him 
that is invisible. Her faith was the grand sus- 
taining instrument. It was this that took fast 
hold on the promises of God. Her language 
was, " Though he slay me, yet will I trust in 
him." Like the father of the faithful, '' she 
was strong in ftiith, giving glory to God." 
Even in the near approach of death, faith seem- 
ed to take a still more elevated position, and to 
exert a still more commanding influence. As 
from Pisgah's top, she seemed to look over the 
Jordan of death into the heavenly country, where 

" Sickness and sorrow, pain and death, 
Are felt and fear'd no more." 

Such is the sustaining power of an evangeli- 
cal faith. It was this that supported Miss 
Richards, and it is this that will support all the 
sons and daughters of affliction. It has lost 
none of its power. It will again " subdue 
kingdoms, work righteousness, obtain promises, 
stop the mouths of lions, quench the violence 
of fire, turn away the edge of the sword, out of 



MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 271 

weakness make strong, wax valiant in figlit, and 
turn to flight the armies of the aliens." No- 
thing can stand before it. Even the last enemy 
will quail in its presence. 

" 'Tis faith disarms destraction, and absolves 
From every clamorous charge the guiltless tomb." 

Thus were the primitive saints sustained and 
comforted. The man after God's own heart 
says, " Though I walkthrough the valley of the 
shadow of death, I will fear no evil : for thou 
art with me ; thy rod and thy staff they comfort 
me." " The sorrows of death compassed me, 
and the pains of hell gat hold upon me : I 
found trouble and sorrow. Then called I upon 
the name of the Lord : O Lord, I beseech thee, 
deliver my soul. Gracious is the Lord, and 
righteous ; yea, our God is merciful. I v/as 
brought low, and he helped me. Return unto 
thy rest, O my soul ; for the Lord hath dealt 
bountifully with thee. For thou hast delivered 
my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and 
my feet from falling." When the great apostle 
of the Gentiles was deeply afflicted in body, he 
went to the throne of the heavenly grace, and 
the answer he received was, " My grace is suf- 
ficient for thee ; my strength is made perfect in 
weakness." Sustained by this faith, the ancient 
martyrs were serene and triumphant, the accents 
of hope and of joy vibrated on their stiffening 
tongues, and fell with heavenly svv^eetness from 
their pale and quivering lips. 

O ye sons and daughters of sorrow and dis- 
tress, here is comfort for you ! God himself 



272 MEMOIR OF LUCY RICHARDS. 

says, " When thou passest through the waters, 
I will be with thee ; and through the rivers, 
they shall not overflow thee : when thou walk- 
est through the fire, thou shalt not be burned, 
neither shall the flame kindle upon thee ; for 1 
am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy 
Saviour." It is tranquillizing and sweet to 
have a beloved friend near when our sorrows 
are multiplied upon us ; but what is the pre- 
sence of the dearest earthly friend when com- 
pared with the presence of a sympathizing 
God? This of all consolations is the most 
cheering, of all blessings the most to be desired. 
It defends us more effectually than twelve legions 
of angels could do it, and imparts greater com- 
fort to the soul than all the inhabitants of heaven 
and earth could give, though they were all to 
unite their efforts to make us blessed. God is, 
indeed, " the hope of Israel, and the Saviour 
thereof in the times of trouble." Seek his face 
and favour, and you will not only be comforted, 
and supported, and blest, amidst the sorrows of 
the present life, but when you come to lie 
down in death, it will be yours to adopt the 
language of Wesley under similar circumstan- 
ces — *' The best of all is, God is avith us." 



THE END. 



